How Memory Care Supports Expressive Language Skills

According to WebMD, cognitive decline can come on suddenly or gradually, and it may be permanent or temporary. The symptoms can be scary for both the older adult experiencing them and their loved ones.

If you've noticed your beloved senior going through cognitive decline, then you might be wondering what you can do to support them.

Getting them into memory care can be extremely beneficial, as they can work on their expressive language skills, which results in fewer frustrations, clearer communication, and improved quality of life.

If you're interested in hearing more, then keep reading. We'll discuss how memory care in Arlington, TX can help your loved one.

A Calm, Predictable Environment That Reduces Cognitive Load

Have you ever tried to hold a conversation in a loud and busy environment? It's difficult, even for someone with no cognitive impairments. So imagine how challenging it is for some with dementia.

In a memory care setting, they'll enjoy a calm, predictable environment. The routines, lighting, noise levels, and visual cues are all consistent and minimal, so your beloved senior won't be working hard to understand the world around them. Because there's lower background noise, they'll have more mental energy for forming words and sentences.

Simplified, Supportive Communication Techniques

Memory care staff are trained to know the top communication tips for seniors. Most importantly, they use short sentences and one idea at a time. In addition, they utilize choice-based questions (two choices, such as yes or no) to lower the pressure to find the "right" word.

This is an outstanding scaffolding method that can help maintain sentence structure and reduce frustration. You can even mirror these techniques to make communication easier and smoother with your loved one.

For instance, ask them, "Would you like tea or water?" instead of "What do you want to drink?" You should also pause long enough for them to respond, and don't rush them.

Life-Story and Reminiscence Programs That Tap Longer-Term Memory

Autobiographical memory is often more accessible than short-term facts. When you prompt older adults to speak from long-term memories rather than short-term ones, this supplies richer vocabulary and more confident speech.

This is why you'll see life-story events as cognitive activities for seniors in memory care settings. Residents are encouraged to tell stories from their past, which can be a fun way to utilize their vocabulary. 

To help, you should bring photos from a clear period. You can then ask them open prompts, such as "Tell me about this day; what were you wearing?" or "Who is in this photo?"

Music Therapy That Unlocks Words and Phrases

Music is a powerful toolthat's often used as part of memory care activities. It's something that connects everyone, and it can improve intellectual wellness and boost your mood. As you might imagine, it's very beneficial for seniors with cognitive issues.

Melody and rhythm often bypass damaged pathways and cue automatic language. For instance, you may see people who can't speak, but they'll sing lyrics.

In a memory care program, your loved one will get to do these activities to help with expressive language skills:

• Music
• Singing
• Rhythmic activities

Multimodal Cueing

Multimodal cueing is another way of scaffolding communication to make it easier for seniors with cognitive decline. It pairs words with:

• Pictures
• Actual objects
• Gestures

That way, meaning is reinforced across senses.

You can easily use this method too when you speak to your beloved senior. For instance, if you're offering them a gift that's a scarf, you can hold out the two options and ask, "Do you want the blue or the gray scarf?"

Routine-Based Conversation Practice

Memory care staff members know that predictability is essential when dealing with dementia and other cognitive issues. With enough practice, seniors can use "scripts" so that responses become more automatic.

The staff members will have predictable conversation routines, such as:

• Mealtime greetings
• Weather check-ins
• One-line updates

When your loved one knows what to expect, it'll be much easier for them to respond.

Social Groups and Purposeful Roles That Encourage Speaking

Brain health in seniors can deteriorate if they don't receive enough social interaction. This can have a profound effect on not only their mental health, but their overall well-being too. As a result, their expressive language skills can deteriorate.

When they're in a memory care program, residents are put in intentional social groups to do small activities. Each person has a tiny yet meaningful role; when you have a purpose, this can motivate speech and reduce self-consciousness.

Collaboration With Speech-Language Professionals

Some memory care communities have connections with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who can produce personalized plans for every older adult. There's speech therapy for seniors, as well as cueing strategies and other recommended exercises.

The community staff members can then implement daily support, which you can reinforce during visits and at home.

Emotional Support, Validation, and Confidence-Building

Perhaps the most important part of helping those with cognitive issues is emotional support and validation. Your loved one will get exactly that when they move into a memory care community, as the program aims to create a nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Considering that stress and shame shut down speech, your beloved senior won't experience that at all. Instead, they'll receive encouragement and validation, which will motivate them to keep trying.

Help Your Loved One With Their Expressive Language Skills

Expressive language skills are a core part of how we communicate, and losing any part of those skills can be devastating. This can be discouraging to older seniors, and they may withdraw.

But don't let your loved one lose the joy in their life. If you get them into memory care, then they can get structure, multisensory supports, and therapeutic programs that work together to help expressive language. As a result, you'll see them flourish!

The memory care program at Morada Lake Arlington uses scientifically-backed approaches to improve the lives of our residents, and we personalize our services to each individual. If you want to schedule a tour at a senior living community in Arlington, TX, get in touch with us now.