Senior Lifestyle Corporation’s Best of the Best winning program, Brain Health University, offers a fun, engaging, and social way for residents to improve memory, intellect, and overall cognitive functioning.
ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Winner
Like many providers, Senior Lifestyle Corp. has enhanced its programming to incorporate the latest scientific advances on how to sharpen the elderly mind. However, cutting-edge technology does not figure prominently. Instead, Brain Health University (BHU) takes a decidedly low-tech approach to achieving the same wellness goals as the computer programs and Wii games that currently are popular.
Modeled after a college semester, BHU appeals to residents’ intellect by offering 30 “credited” brain health classes as part of the normal community calendar. In order to “graduate,” the residents must attend at least 18 classes, including some with quizzes and homework. The goal is to show participants how they can improve the functioning of their own brain themselves, both through the subject matter and by encouraging a sustained commitment.
“While we think there are some decent memory tools out there in terms of electronics, the biggest thing that bothers us about that is that those games and programs are used by single users,” says David Koelling, vice president of corporate services. “If we can provide the same sort of learning environment, but in a social arena, we’re going to triple the effectiveness.”
For example, a popular “Slang 101” class teaches the latest online lingo. Participants are naturally motivated by the subject matter to pay close attention, engage in lively interactions, satisfy their desire to keep learning, and test their memory through a fun quiz. “They don’t even notice that it’s a memory training class because it’s just fun to be learning the crazy things the kids say or use today,” says Koelling.
Since implementing BHU, overall attendance at programs has increased by 25 percent, and by as much as 50 percent for classes that were created specifically for BHU. While marketing the brain health programs as a collegiate program was intended primarily as a hook to get residents to attend more than one class, the residents have embraced the concept and take it very seriously. “There’s a big difference between a BHU course and signing up for an activity. These just feel very, very different,” explains Koelling.
The above best practice was recognized as an ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Winner. Do you have a best practice, product, service or solution at your community or company that is advancing excellence in senior living? ALFA is now accepting nominations for the ALFA 2013 Best of the Best Awards. Visit alfa.org/bestofthebest to read more best practices and to nominate a program.
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