By Amy Sheridan, Family Support & Activity Manager at Seasons Adult Day

Are you caring for a loved one that is living with memory changes? Could they benefit from structured activities in a safe, social setting? Are you concerned that they may be resistant to trying it out?

At Seasons Adult Day Health Services, we understand how challenging it can be to start something new, especially for families that are navigating memory changes. Over the last 25 years, the team at Seasons has developed a list of effective tips to use when talking with your loved one about attending. Many families have shared with us how helpful these ideas are. Below you can find the list with a tip that might just work for you.

1. Discuss that Seasons is about fun, fellowship and good food! Highlight the social aspects and downplay the care aspects of the center. Seasons can be described as a social club.
   Describe some of the activities that might be of interest to them and explain this is an opportunity to rediscover old interests as well as discover new interests. The monthly calendar can be found on the Senior Services website.
2. Talk about the two free trial days to check it out. There is no obligation or commitment. “You might as well give it a try.”
   Encourage them to try it for a few weeks. You can use a statement such as, “Let’s try it for at least a month and after that you can decide if you want to continue attending.” (Keep using the same type of statement until they are more acclimated to Seasons.)
3. Explain that studies have found that the best thing to help with your memory changes is socialization and keeping active in a center like Seasons. Research has strongly proven that staying social and engaging in cognitive stimulation is often better than many medications that can be given to help with memory loss.
4. Discuss with them that Seasons is a lot like therapy in many ways because they specialize in programs to work with the brain and body.
5. Explain that it is known that older adults who start to withdraw and stay at home (often watching TV out of boredom) often experience more memory loss, depression, loneliness, poor health and decreased quality of life. The socialization at Seasons can help improve this.
6. Explain that the doctor has suggested the benefits of the center and ask the doctor to write an order or prescription for Seasons.
7. Ask them to attend Seasons for you, because you love them and won’t be worried while at work or other appointments knowing they are with friends.
8. Share with them that the schedule can be flexible so you can choose the days and times you’d like to attend.
9. If they are interested in exercise and keeping their body active, you can highlight the NuStep exercise equipment and exercise programs.
10. Discuss that community outings, special events and guest performers are included in the attendance.
    Talk over the health aspects of Seasons that will enhance their physical wellness. Explain that the nurse can monitor blood pressure, check blood sugar, and administer medication.

For more information about how Seasons can help your loved one living with cognitive changes to stay as healthy as possible while engaging in therapeutic activities, contact our Family Support Manager, Amy Sheridan, at 989-633-3764.