When you’re looking into memory care programs in Peoria, AZ, you’ll see different types of therapy listed.
When you’re looking into memory care programs in Peoria, AZ, you’ll see different types of therapy listed. Each of these therapies helps your loved one by stimulating the brain, easing anxiety, boosting moods, giving a sense of accomplishment, and providing socialization opportunities.
Read on to find a breakdown of these therapies, and how they help improve the memories and lives of those with dementia and Alzheimer’s:
Sensory Stimulation Therapy
Sensory stimulation triggers positive emotions and memories, using everyday objects to make residents feel connected to their surroundings. Familiar objects ease feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and depression.
This type of therapy tactfully uses all the body’s senses, with different activities focusing on one or more of these senses at a time. Familiar scents like vanilla, spices, and florals bring back memories and feelings and provide comfort. Scents like peppermint stimulate the brain and ease nerves. Essential oils for calming include lavender, bergamot, and rosemary.
Visual exercises can include viewing old photos, spending time in nature, watching classic movies, and viewing art.
Other sensory therapy exercises include activities like hand massages, coin sorting, tasting treats, using play dough, finger painting, popping bubble wrap, and listening to nature sounds.
Music Therapy
Music therapy can spark recognition, improve cognitive function, reduce feelings of frustration, and ease anxiety. Activities include making music with simple percussion instruments like shakers, as well as listening to classical music and songs from your loved one’s youth. There may also be sing-alongs, such as carols around the holidays.
If anyone has musical abilities, they will be encouraged, but not pushed, to use those in therapy. When it comes to skills like playing an instrument or dancing, music can trigger certain muscle memories.
Art Therapy
This therapy encourages residents to use their creative sides. It also provides a way to express themselves. Communicating feelings is frustrating for those with memory loss. Having a creative outlet for expression makes a world of difference.
Activities include painting, drawing, sculpting with clay, creating collages, and many more. Residents are also encouraged to use the art form and medium they please, whether that’s fine art or performing art. If they participated in some type of art before their cognitive decline, that muscle memory can come back through therapy.
Studies have shown that viewing works of art can help those experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. Particularly viewing famous paintings and photographs. An art therapy program may include visiting art shows and museums or having exhibits brought to the Peoria memory care center.
Pet Therapy
Furry friends are a great comfort to everyone. In memory care therapy, interacting with animals can boost moods and ease feelings of loneliness. It also has physical health benefits, such as lower blood pressure.
Certified therapy animals, typically dogs and cats, will visit the memory care residents. Even petting the dogs’ and cats’ fur can be a great comfort, and staff can help residents who struggle with muscular and physical abilities to pet the animals.
Other activities include viewing colorful animals like fish and birds. In addition to live animals, robotic pets are often used. These robotic pets are realistic and soft, and can provide comfort and happiness as well.
The Mission at Agua Fria is the perfect place for your loved one to receive these types of memory care therapy. Residents are safe and secure, and our amenities and beautiful courtyards also contribute to the supportive, relaxing environment. You can find more information on our Peoria memory care program by visiting
the Mission at Agua Fria website.
