When you think about life enrichment in an assisted living community, activities like bingo, crafts and card games may come to mind. While these activities are certainly well-loved, there is much more that goes into it. Life enrichment is all about improving the quality of life for residents through various activities that are fun but also provide important therapeutic benefits.
The Clark Life Enrichment Team is comprised of experienced recreational therapists who provide inspired, meaningful experiences to our residents. Through the challenges of the past year, the team provided an integral lifeline that kept residents engaged and happy.
WHAT IS LIFE ENRICHMENT AT CLARK?
Life enrichment focuses on improving the quality of life for residents through recreational therapy, as well as meaningful and purposeful person-centered activities. Each activity takes into account the interests, hobbies and past careers of the individual, while also addressing their physical, social, cognitive and spiritual needs. Therapies and activities include:
- Group and One-to-One Activities.
- Music Therapy.
- Montessori in Memory Care.
- Spiritual Care.
- Connecting with Hobbies and Interests.
- Purposeful Downtime.
LIFE ENRICHMENT BENEFITS:
Improves Quality of Life. The number one goal of our team is to improve the quality of life of each of our residents through therapies and activities.
Provides Structure and Routine. When residents are engaged, we can physically see the benefits—their body language, demeanor and attitude changes. Residents are able to flourish through connecting with their peers.
Improves Cognitive Skills. Through activities, residents are not only having fun, but are also often working on cognitive skills. An activity like trivia is fun, but it also helps sharpen cognitive skills.
Improves Health. Many life enrichment activities are focused around physical activity. Moving every day lowers certain health risks, and helps residents work on improving balance and maintaining muscle tone.
To learn more about assisted living and memory care, please call 616.278.6520 or visit Clark Retirement.
KELLER LAKE: 2499 Forest Hill Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
FRANKLIN: 1551 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Written by LouAnn Shawver.
Courtesy of Assisted Living at Clark Retirement.
Photo courtesy of Assisted Living at Clark Retirement.
