Throughout our lives, we interact with friends, family and strangers on a daily basis, and for someone with dementia it’s important that they continue to have these sorts of meaningful encounters, even as their disease progresses. While it is true that your loved one may have trouble retaining memories or remembering his or her own loved ones, he or she can still recognize the attention, feelings and moods of others. Socialization is important for all of us. But for those experiencing any form of dementia, it takes on an even more critical role.

Put within the context of an individual experiencing dementia, socialization allows for human and environmental interactions.Some interactions are intended to spark the senses, such as experiencing a new location, smelling fresh flowers in a garden, or a more tactile experience such as getting their hands into a soft dough that they knead. All are important to provide someone with dementia with a sense of connectivity.

Continuing to have meaningful encounters and socializing is necessary for anyone suffering from or is at risk of developing dementia, and it is known that a daily dose of social interactions can help to improve cognitive function. Seniors with dementia tend to be at a higher risk of social isolation and depression, and are always in need of support from their loved ones.

Socialization provides a sense of normal structure and order to the life of an individual with memory loss. It helps stimulate that part of the brain which connects us to time and place, rather than experiencing a disconnected continuum with no start and end points.

At One Kenton Place socialization for our residents is woven into every aspect of our daily activities and programs. Our residents are always engaging with others – whether it’s through activities, or one-on-one with our highly skilled recreation staff.

Socialization, when provided in a safe, structured manner, can make a positive difference in the quality of life for those people impaired by dementia. Making sure that your loved one is receiving a steady, yet fresh exposure to opportunities for socialization is important to keep them as healthy and connected as possible. Do this consistently, and you will notice the difference. Keep showering your loved ones with immense amounts of love and care. Look them in the eye, hold their hand, smile and talk in soothing tones. They will appreciate it, and it will most definitely go a long way!

With Passover thoughts in mind, it seemed to me the demands and challenges of being the primary caregiver/ decision-maker for someone with complex needs is a burden that can be likened to the bondage of the Israelites in ancient Egypt. The Passover story deals with the freedom from bondage and hopefully there is a lesson to be learned from the Pesach experience. The Passover meal is so different from other holiday meals spent with family, and to quote “Why is this night different than any other night?” The answer is “SEDER” or ORDER. Following a routine of prescribed steps ensures the delivery of the proper Passover experience for participants of all ages.

So too, for the primary caregiver, ORDER or disciplined and monitored routines need to be in place in order to orchestrate, augment and enrich what the hands-on caregivers do for your loved one. That includes balanced and planned meals, exercise, music (either listening and/ or singing) mental games, conversation and storytelling, shopping, looking at family photos, hobbies, current events, even some TV shows, and really anything that engages and stimulates the individual being cared for in a way that is meaningful to them. Some families are even hiring outside professionals to assist them with specialized services like these and safety proofing the home. The ORDER within the daily programming can lessen the burden and stem some of the depressive side effects of isolation. What results is not necessarily freedom from bondage but rewards from a labour of love.