One comment we hear frequently from seniors and their families is that they would like their Assisted Living or Independent Living Community to have more structured programming available. We understand the high costs associated with operating a senior living community and that time is a valued resource as well. Our lessons take about four hours to develop and address the needs of the ‘whole person’, physical, mental/cognitive, spiritual, and the countless other human needs that are intertwined. We offer three full lesson plans per week, representing 12 to 14 hrs., (48-56 hrs. a month), which is time most Activity/Wellness Coordinators simply do not have.
The BrainFlex® Wellness program is an affordable way for Senior Living Communities to provide their Activities/Wellness Coordinators with the tools he or she needs to facilitate a BrainFlex session. This allows communities to have the structured programing many seniors desire and will look forward to attending.
Both the community and the residents will have the opportunity to receive the on-going benefits that seniors and their loved ones will experience, which we have observed first-hand over the past four years.
The most frequent feedback received from the families caring for our members…
‘The days they attend BrainFlex® are their best days of the week. It makes their entire day better.’
Engaging in the BrainFlex® key concepts on a regular basis has been shown to contribute to…
- Slowing down of cognitive decline
- Reduced falls
- Reduced hospital visits
- Reduced depression
- Reduced med errors (and in some cases, reducing the need for psych meds)
- Increased sense of community and belonging (increase in over-all well-being)
- Reduced sickness
- Healthier, happier & more committed to areas related to healthy living (educated)
- Happier family members, as they see their loved ones happier & connected to others
- Seniors maintaining independence for longer than expected, prior to joining BrainFlex®
Each lesson plan includes the following:
a.) Brain Training-Life Long Learning: Each lesson includes four activities. Two of the four activities will focus on creativity, (creative problem solving, brainstorming, exercising the imagination, etc.). The remaining two activities will require a more structured focus (analytical thinking, logic, reasoning, math, etc.). Also incorporated into each lesson plan is a life-long learning component (new information), in order to increase cognitive reserves.
The ‘Why’ behind the program: (Aging Well Discussion Sheets)
-One ‘Research & Discussion Sheet’, is included with each lesson. These discussion sheets are based on a variety of interesting topics, including the ‘why’ (research) supporting the activities. They are also designed to inform, encourage conversation and build cognitive reserves. -Other ‘Research and Discussion
Sheets’ may focus on subjects such as mental and emotional self-care, the challenges of ‘perception’, the impact of positive vs negative thinking, the ‘why’ behind healthy sleep patterns, healthy vs. non-healthy communication, and the positive impact that self-affirmations can have on our self-confidence, (which we believe is necessary in order to face the challenges associated with aging).
b.) Nutrition: Each lesson includes a recipe printed on a colorful power point, which details the nutritional information in the primary ingredients as well as the benefits they provide the brain and body. This portion of the lesson plan is focused on the impact our food choices have on the brain and body as well as our over-all well-being. Since the stomach is considered the second brain and plays a vital role in brain function, nutrition education is a key component to our program. Discussed is the ‘why’ behind the need to choose healthy foods and adhere to a diet that is low in sugar and processed carbohydrates. (BrainFlex recipes do not require any cooking.)
c.) Meditation: Each lesson includes instructions for meditation time. This time incorporates a variety of visualization techniques designed to reduce worry and anxiety, as well as a list of self-affirmations. (This is based on research that the brain and body will typically follow the mind; therefore, it is vital that we think and speak positively.) Throughout this time of relaxation, members are encouraged to practice various breathing techniques. (and just in case you aren’t able to join us online, instructions are included in the lesson plan.)
d.) Exercise: Our online class will enjoy a fun and energetic time of sitter-size, focused on strengthening the core, range of motion, muscle strengthening and cardio, all to their favorite tunes.
Note: For those utilizing the program w/out the online option, we do include a guide to stretching and muscle strengthening exercises.
Senior Living communities will also have the opportunity to be a part of BrainFlex Wellness Club. Once a member, the community will have a unique login to a portal on our website which will provide activity directors/coordinators access to our printable lesson plans as described in the outline above. In addition, communities will also have access to 'Aging Well' educational webinars and videos, as well as the opportunity to join live BrainFlex sessions.
