Both physical and mental activities play a vital role in elder care. While exercising the body keeps the heart healthy, exercising the mind helps improve mental performance and prevents cognitive decline. Fortunately, there are many brain-boosting activities you can do with your family members, both at home and within an assisted living facility. Here are a few to keep in mind. 

How Can I Help a Senior Loved One Improve Memory Skills?

1. Crafting

Arts and crafts have much to offer in terms of elder care. Not only can crafting improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, but it also helps develop cognitive skills related to memory and thinking. Certain crafts, such as knitting, also elicit a relaxing effect. These effects are similar to what people experience when doing yoga or meditating.

2. Crossword Puzzles

Research shows that doing crossword puzzles may prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, as the activity sharpens cognitive function. They’re also beneficial because they boost socialization, another key factor when it comes to elder care. Whether you do the activity together at home or encourage your loved one to do crossword puzzles with other residents at their senior living facility, interacting with others will boost self-esteem and strengthen emotional bonds.

3. Bingo

In addition to spurring socialization, this popular senior game has been shown to improve cognitive skills. Bingo boosts mental alertness, since players must scan cards quickly as numbers are called. Because of these and other benefits, many nursing homes make bingo a regular activity for residents. 

As a trusted nursing home in Crossville, TN, WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center provides a variety of fun and fulfilling activities to improve cognition. Residents are privy to a calendar of events, including puzzles, coffee socials, bingo, movies, spelling bees, and more. Their nursing services focus on rehabilitation, whether your loved one requires speech, occupational, or physical therapy. They even offer home care services, which allows seniors to remain independent at home, while also receiving high-quality elder care. Call (931) 707-5687 today to learn more about this trusted community, or visit them online to see the full listing of services.