We all want to enjoy healthy living for as long as we can. Research supports the idea that good relationships are a part of healthy living. Because the Lady-Links know that connecting with others can help with mental and emotional well-being, our weekly visits to ladies in various stages of cognitive decline are designed to engage these dear friends in enjoyable activities. In addition to what we have seen firsthand, research has found that there are cognitive benefits from having enjoyable social interactions for those with Alzheimer’s and other related types of dementia.
Our visits are designed to be enjoyable for our dear friends and for our Lady-Links. We form sincere bonds of friendship that promote positive social interaction. We realize that Alzheimer’s and related dementias are progressive, but we also have seen evidence of short-term spikes of cognitive ability during our visits as we engage our dear friends in activities. Our trained Lady-Links know how to encourage communication by asking the right types of questions or prompting memories through our teamwork in games, crafts, music, show and tell activities or special events.
Good relationships established through our friendship visits are part of a socialization process that benefits all of us. The researchers know that and the Lady-Links do too!
I love all of your blogs! You are so insightful and creative in explaining the many ways Lady-links help Dear Friends! And, you always include at least one photo of Lonna which brings great joy to my heart 💜
It is easy to write about a group that I love and enjoy so much. Thank you, Jim, for your comments.