Summer has a way of staying with us long past the actual season. It continues to live in the feeling of the warm sunshine on your face, the laughter of road trips with the windows down and the warm breeze in your hair, the smell of the sunscreen and salty air, the traditions that brought family and friends together year after year, and the evenings full of lightening bugs that seem to stretch on forever. For our seniors, these memories are meaningful to this very day and can spark joy, deepen connections with one another, and bring a sense of belonging. For residents living in an assisted living or memory care community, those memories can be the most meaningful!
Imagine living in a community, such as Arbor Terrace Crabapple, surrounded by the beauty of nature, where a peaceful and mature garden fills a courtyard offering the sounds of birds chirping and the glimpse from time to time of a bunny rabbit or even a deer… moments of connection often begin in the simplest ways – through conversation and shared experiences. Creating purposeful opportunities to revisit these summer moments can be a powerful way to build relationships between residents as well as residents and community team members.
Why do Summer Memories Matter?
Memories are tied to the senses – music, sunshine, travel, and food are often some of the strongest drivers. For individuals living with a cognitive decline, Dementia, Alzheimer’s or even Parkinson’s, long-term memories are often more accessible than recent ones. A great question to ask: Did you ever take summer trips with your family? can open up a conversation and create a connection filled with emotion, identity and details. Talking / sharing these experiences does encourage conversation and as we know social engagement stimulates a better mood and can reduce the feeling of isolation. Creating meaningful connections with seniors strengthens relationship with them.
Creating Moments that Spark Reminiscences
Senior living communities or even in a senior’s own backyard, patio and /or courtyard becomes a natural gathering place for these moments. Communities are very purposeful as to how they weave summer memories into everyday life by creating a space where loved ones feel comfortable sharing. Some examples of these community spaces are:
- Creating Story Circles: A great setting to share memories of summer vacations, family traditions, or even favorite destinations. Community team members can gently guide the conversation with prompts such as “ What did a perfect summer day look like for you? Did you family take road trips or did you stay close to home?
- Memory Boards or Displays: Encourage residents and families to contribute photos or written memories of past summer trips. Arbor Terrace Crabapple has a Spotlight cabinet in the main 1st floor living room that not only celebrates individual stories but also invites conversation amongst residents, families, and visitors.
- Travel-Themed Activities: Arbor Terrace Crabapple hosts “arm chair travel” days where loved ones can revisit places they have been and share with other neighbors their own stories and memories. Whether it is a cross-country adventure and/or international trip or even a trip to the mountains or beach… these shared experiences crte curiosity and nostalgia.
- Sensory Experiences: Playing music from the past decades, serving classic season drinks or food, or even bring beach- theme décor creates memories and emotions.
- One-on- One Conversations: Taking just a few minutes to sit with a loved one and asking about their past can build trust and show genuine care and compassion. Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our seniors!
As we all know, words matter and every story matters. We all want to be known and be heard. Taking the time to listen is where the real connection happens. Whether these stories are shared in a loved one’s home or in a community, a true sense of belonging is created and lives are celebrated. And sometimes, a little sunshine, a shared memory and someone whether it is a family member, friend or a community team member willing to listen reminds the loved one that their life has meaning.
If you are interested in learning more about how Arbor Terrace Crabapple creates these purposeful moments and celebrate and honors the lives of our residents, please feel free to call us at 770-649-1009.
