High schoolers handing out Valentine's Day cards brought plenty of excitement to memory care residents of The Heritage at Sterling Ridge on Sunday. "I love it because I think these kids are so smart and so wonderful," said Joanne Plank, a resident from Omaha.The teens are part of a new group that started last year: The Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska Chapter's Youth Advisory Council. They brought 50 handmade cards."It makes a meaningful impact on them and also ourselves," said Shratha Manilla, a junior at Marian High School who helped start the group. "They all always have, like, a story for us, and they have really positive words."The staff at the Omaha long-term care facility says activities like these are their favorites. The memory care director said that, especially for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia."It is very important to focus on providing as much cognitive stimuli, sensory stimuli, and also companionship as possible. So we can improve their quality of life."Research backs it up. Chronic loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by about 50 percent in older adults, according to a study. A 2023 U.S. surgeon general report states social connection might be an important response to cognitive decline."So I encourage everyone, if you have an older adult in your life, reach out to them," said Sadie Hinkel, the program director of the Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska Chapter.The Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska is bringing youth in to pass along the message."Small impacts actually make a big difference in one's life," Manilla said.If you have questions on how to care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia in your life, the Alzheimer's Association says they have a 24-7 hotline. The number is 800-272-3900.
High schoolers handing out Valentine's Day cards brought plenty of excitement to memory care residents of The Heritage at Sterling Ridge on Sunday.
"I love it because I think these kids are so smart and so wonderful," said Joanne Plank, a resident from Omaha.
The teens are part of a new group that started last year: The Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska Chapter's Youth Advisory Council. They brought 50 handmade cards.
"It makes a meaningful impact on them and also ourselves," said Shratha Manilla, a junior at Marian High School who helped start the group. "They all always have, like, a story for us, and they have really positive words."
The staff at the Omaha long-term care facility says activities like these are their favorites.
The memory care director said that, especially for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia.
"It is very important to focus on providing as much cognitive stimuli, sensory stimuli, and also companionship as possible. So we can improve their quality of life."
Research backs it up. Chronic loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by about 50 percent in older adults, according to a study. A 2023 U.S. surgeon general report states social connection might be an important response to cognitive decline.
"So I encourage everyone, if you have an older adult in your life, reach out to them," said Sadie Hinkel, the program director of the Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska Chapter.
The Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska is bringing youth in to pass along the message.
"Small impacts actually make a big difference in one's life," Manilla said.
If you have questions on how to care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia in your life, the Alzheimer's Association says they have a 24-7 hotline. The number is 800-272-3900.