At Trinity Springs Memory Care, seniors with dementia engage in daily activities that enrich memory care and support social connection.
Personalized Memory Care Activities
Memory care activities are tailored for residents of The Neighborhood, the memory care community within the larger Trinity Springs community. From early morning to late afternoon, residents enjoy a full calendar of enriching options.
Breakfast Conversations
Each day begins with breakfast. Not only do residents enjoy delicious meals, but also social interaction with each other, culinary staff and memory care team members.
“I see how they’re doing. I make them feel like it’s a fresh day with a positive attitude,” says Vicky, the memory care activities lead.
As a result, these conversations help residents feel grounded and valued.
Cognitive Stimulation
After breakfast, residents can then relax in the theater and enjoy a televised worship service, complete with songs to listen to and sing along with.
Following the service, they interact with The Daily Chronicle. This publication features trivia, quotes, celebrity birthdays, “on this date” milestones and “national days.”
“We talk about the ‘National Day of Whatever,’” Vicky says. “Sometimes, we play a little video for them to see what we’re talking about.”
These sensory activities promote cognitive stimulation.
Music Therapy and Memory Activities
Following worship and reading, mornings often include memory activities like “finish the line” on Mondays. Additionally, there are musical offerings such as move to the music, music appreciation and singing with Pastor Chuck, Trinity Springs’ chaplain.
Monday’s “finish the line” activity is a memory exercise that has residents complete common phrases. Music activities typically make up late morning happenings the rest of the week.
“Sometimes we have volunteers who play music,” Vicky says. “Usually, when I do wheelchair aerobics, I play disco and we really get it on. Everyone has such high energy. It motivates them a lot.”
Residents especially love listening to music like Andres Bocelli, instrumental music and performers on America’s Got Talent. Overall, music can engage the brain in many ways and offers cognitive benefits for those with dementia.
Nourishing and Relaxing Mealtimes
Activities pause for lunch and dinner— times of nourishment and relaxation. To enhance the experience, memory care residents receive warm towels during meals.
“They are used to it and they love it,” Vicky says. “We spread them around before lunch and dinner. They remind us … That is something that makes them feel good and special.”
Variety in Afternoon Activities
In the afternoon, residents can enjoy a range of memory care activities, including color sorting, cardio drumming, bingo, “the beat goes on” and “let’s get moving.”
“The beat goes on” features music and dance, while “let’s get moving” focuses more on aerobics.
Furthermore, residents especially enjoy going outside and soaking up the sun in the secured memory care courtyard for “sunshine walk and roll.”
“I want them to be motivated to live life in the space they have. That’s why a lot of the activities are physical,” Vicky says about keeping the residents active.
Culinary Fun
Arguably the most popular afternoon activity is “In the Kitchen with Vicky,” typically on Fridays.
“I have the residents choose what they like to have,” Vicky says. “I usually give them three choices at the beginning of the week. We talk about foods we like and foods we can make in our kitchen. We put them in a bucket, shake it up and someone special gets to take it out. Whatever is there is what we’ll cook.”
As a result, the neighborhood fills with delicious aromas from dishes like rice pudding and baked goods.
“It brings them all the smells of back in the days when they used to cook and gather with family,” Vicky says.
Sometimes activities team members need to encourage residents to participate activities. That’s not usually the case when they smell Vicky’s culinary creations.
Memory Care Enrichment
The men in the neighborhood make up the “Wise Guys.” They get together to discuss their interests, sports or even politics.
In addition, small groups and individuals sometimes play board games, cards, chess and trivia tailored to different cognitive levels.
Activities team members also give individual attention to residents. Men and women alike especially enjoy hand massages and nail care.
Altogether, these person-centered memory care activities promote dignity, self-worth and relaxation.
Family Participation
Residents’ loved ones are invited to visit and participate in activities. They often enjoy watching their loved ones being active and engaged in a supportive environment.
“They enjoy seeing them interacting with activities,” Vicky says.
Moreover, Trinity Springs’ staff often get compliments and positive feedback from residents’ loved ones.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do and the family members are very happy,” Vicky says.
A Passion for Memory Care
Finally, what ties everything together is the heart behind the work. Vicky and the activities team are committed to compassion, consistency and lifelong learning.
Originally from Delaware, Vicky followed her sister to Florida and found a new calling at Trinity Springs— especially after her Father was diagnosed with dementia.
“I said ‘If I stay, I’m going to need a job I love,’” Vicky says.
She worked in security and culinary before finding what she considers the perfect fit.
“I kept digging and finally walked in here and said, ‘This place feels so good.’ I’m here for a reason. I’m staying.”
About Us
At Trinity Springs Memory Care, activities are a source of social interaction and life enrichment for seniors with dementia who live in the central Florida senior living community, just outside of The Villages.
Trinity Springs offers a range of living options— including memory care, independent living and assisted living —all designed with comfort and hospitality in mind. Located in Oxford, Florida, the community features large apartments, restaurant-style dining, wellness programs and amenities that support an active lifestyle. With nearby shopping, churches and close proximity to The Villages® active adult community, residents and their families enjoy both convenience and connection.
If you have questions about memory care or other living options at Trinity Springs, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 352-633-4030 to learn more or schedule a visit.