The Kensington Reston offers exceptional memory care services. We provide specialized care and support for seniors facing memory challenges, ensuring their comfort, safety, and overall well-being.
Our dedicated team of professionals is trained in memory care techniques and utilizes personalized approaches to meet each resident’s unique needs.
At The Kensington Reston, we prioritize creating a warm and welcoming environment where seniors can thrive.
With a focus on promoting engagement, independence, and quality of life, we offer a range of stimulating activities, comfortable accommodations, and delicious dining options.
Learn more about our senior living community and upcoming virtual workshop series to provide your senior loved one with optimized care by supporting yourself, the family caregiver.
Shine bright as a caregiver
Join us for our comprehensive virtual workshop series throughout the summer, led by renowned aging specialists.
Our sessions cover engaging topics such as creative communication strategies to navigate summer, how to meaningfully use music with a loved one with dementia, art for the aging brain, caregiver mental fitness, and a weekly wellness plan to find balance and joy for a busy life
RSVP to each series to learn how to be supportive and beat caregiver burnout.
Learn to communicate effectively
Communicating with seniors with memory loss requires patience, understanding, and adapting to their unique needs.
Some suggestions for effective communication include:
- Use clear and simple language
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak in a calm and reassuring tone
- Give ample time for a response
- Use visual aids and gestures
- Encourage reminiscing and storytelling
- Maintain a positive and cheerful demeanor
- Use non-verbal communication
- Be patient and flexible
Building rapport and trust with seniors in memory care is essential for effective communication.
Show respect, compassion, and genuine interest in their well-being to establish meaningful connections.
Learn more about communicating with your senior loved one during our first event.
Part I: Creative Communication Strategies to Navigate Summer with the Alzheimer’s Association
The first part of this summer series will take place Wednesday, June 28th, at 6 pm EDT.
RSVP for this first event of the summer series here.
Music for seniors with dementia
Music has a powerful impact on individuals with dementia, providing therapeutic benefits and improving their overall well-being.
This is why the second part of our series will cover how you can share and use music with your loved one.
Part II: Together in Harmony: How to Meaningfully Use Music with a Loved One with Dementia
Tara Jenkins, Board Certified Music Therapist, will speak at this event, held Wednesday, July 12th, at 6 pm EDT.
Ahead of the event, let’s look at a few suggestions you can try with your loved one.
Personalized playlists
Create personalized playlists with songs from your loved one’s past, particularly those associated with significant memories or emotions.
Familiar music can evoke positive responses and help stimulate reminiscence.
Musical instruments
Provide simple musical instruments, such as shakers or drums, for your senior loved one to play along with the music. This can offer a sense of engagement and self-expression.
Movement and dance
Encourage gentle movement or dancing to music. This can stimulate physical activity, coordination, and emotional expression.
Background music
Play calming and soothing background music in the living environment to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Soft instrumental music or nature sounds can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Art for your loved one’s brain
Engaging your senior loved one in artistic activities can benefit their well-being and quality of life.
Some of the benefits of engaging with art include:
- Self-expression
- Sense of accomplishment
- Stimulating cognitive function
- Emotional well-being
- Social interaction
- Reminiscence and storytelling
- Sensory stimulation
- Relaxation and stress reduction
Artistic activities for individuals with dementia can include painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, crafts, and other creative pursuits.
The Kensington Reston offers a calendar full of life-enrichment activities to ensure that our residents have opportunities to engage in art, hobbies, and socialization.
During our third webinar, you will learn more about art for the aging brain.
Part III: Art for the Aging Brain with Opening Minds through Art Scripps Gerontology Center
Don’t miss this event on Wednesday, July 19th, at 6 pm EDT.
RSVP here to learn more.
Finding harmony in caregiving responsibilities
Maintaining caregiver balance is crucial for your well-being and ability to provide adequate care, and fight off caregiver burnout.
Here are some strategies to help you achieve and maintain a healthy balance.
Self-care
Prioritize self-care activities to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
This can include exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, relaxation techniques, hobbies, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Set boundaries
Establish clear boundaries and learn to say no when necessary. Recognize your limits and communicate them to others. Avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle.
Seek support
Reach out for support from family, friends, and support groups. Share your feelings, concerns, and challenges with others who can provide understanding and assistance.
Consider joining caregiver support groups or seeking professional counseling if needed.
Take breaks
Even short periods of respite can make a significant difference in your well-being. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy or relaxation.
Practice stress management
Implement stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, or engaging in activities that help you relax and unwind.
Reflect and reassess regularly
Take time to reflect on your caregiving journey and reassess your needs and priorities.
Adjust your family caregiver routine to maintain a healthy balance and ensure your well-being.
Our last two events will teach you how to cope with stress and find the balance needed to remain a mentally and emotionally strong elderly caregiver.
Part IV: Caregiver Mental Fitness
Braden Bishop, caregiver advocate and former major league baseball player will speak at this event Wednesday, August 16th at 6 pm EDT.
Braden, now an MBL agent, founded the 4MOM Foundation in honor of his mother, Suzy, who battled Alzheimer’s and Dementia. He has committed his life to educating people in the community about lifestyle and wellness.
Part V: Weekly Wellness Plan to Find Balance and Joy for a Busy Life
Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, will speak during this last series, on Wednesday, August 23rd, at 6 pm EDT.
She will share the science of well-being to discover what makes you happier and heathier… especially when faced with caregiving, career or other life challenges.
Learn why sleep, experiencing awe and gratitude, and practicing empathy helps combat stress, burnout, anxiety and depression to build resiliency. Sherri will also teach you how to create a brain health exercise plan to cross-train your brain.
RSVP for these last two events of the series now so you can make time for these helpful caregiver tips.
Age in comfort with peace of mind
The Kensington Reston offers specialized assisted living and memory care neighborhoods designed to cater to unique needs of individuals with memory challenges.
Our three levels of memory care provide a supportive and secure environment, focusing on promoting residents’ well-being and enhancing their quality of life.
Our team is committed to maintaining Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
We maintain this promise by showing compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding and by offering the following key features:
- Around-the-clock care
- Specialized care
- Alzheimer’s care
- Dementia care
- Parkinson’s disease care
- Rehabilitation services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Life-enrichment activities
- Exquisite dining services
Contact us or read our blog to learn more about our community, services, and upcoming events.