The Chicago Tribune recently visited Belmont Village Buffalo Grove to get a closer look at the community’s new Memory Care expansion. The program provides activities to stimulate both the mind and body of the growing population of sernior citizens. The new Memory Care Neighborhood includes 22 apartments in addition to the 21 original units.
With demand growing for dementia care, Buffalo Grove senior center expands services
An enthusiastic group of senior citizens at Belmont Village Senior Living in Buffalo Grove began their Monday morning with a round of disco chair dancing aimed at keeping their bodies moving followed by a fitness memory exercise for their minds.
Renee Schmidtlein, an enrichment leader at Belmont Village’s new “Memory Care Neighborhood” wing, which opened last month, kept questions flowing during the memory exercise.
“We’re going to pretend you’re going to a grocery store. … What are some of things you need?” Schmidtlein asked.
One resident exclaimed, “a list,” while others in attendance offered up ideas like “money,” “a car and gas,” and “a pen.”
“And someone to write the list,” one resident added quietly before the group moved on to a brain fitness activity that involved remembering the ingredients needed to prepare a pot of chicken soup.
The different types of activities meant to stimulate both the bodies and minds of senior citizens are happening more frequently at Belmont Village in Buffalo Grove, prompting the assisted living facility to build a second “Memory Care Neighborhood” wing.
Image courtesy of Brian O’Mahoney / Pioneer Press and the Chicago Tribune.