Mindfulness and Meditation: Supporting Mental Well-Being in Memory Care

February 11, 2025

Memory care is a critical component of supporting well-being as we age, and both mindfulness and meditation are major players. When it comes to care provision, it’s important to take a holistic approach, and that’s why we, at The Hickman, build support for our residents’ mental health and well-being into our daily activities – to the benefit of everyone.

Mindfulness in Relation to Meditation

Mindfulness, meditation, and dementia each have a strong link to the present moment, and as a result, practices related to mindfulness, such as meditation, can help those experiencing the challenges of aging focus on their strengths rather than dwelling on their perceived weaknesses. In other words, meditation that addresses mindfulness helps residents and caregivers alike pay attention to the here and now – rather than being distracted by the past or the future.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness refers to focusing on one’s present thoughts, and meditation, which is often referred to as mindfulness meditation or mindfulness training, can aid the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is, very generally, the cultivation of one’s focused attention in an atmosphere of acceptance, which takes judgment out of the equation. Meditation in this context involves directing our attention to thoughts as they arise rather than attempting to put memories in chronological order.

Meditation is the means employed to direct our attention, and there are three basic approaches that can be tailored to any situation, including:

• Paying sustained attention to a single object while monitoring for any disengagement
• Attending to the here and now without focusing on any one thing
• Cultivating a universal sense of loving kindness and compassion for ourselves and others

Memory Care and Dementia

Memory care is a great practice for all of us, but it is especially beneficial for those experiencing dementia. Losing track of our sense of linear time correlates with losing our sense of self, which can leave those who suffer from dementia feeling that much more frustrated and frightened. Instead of forcing outdated methods of experiencing life, such as through memories that flow according to the linear passage of time, appreciating the present moment together with others can make a big difference.

Paying Attention to Mindfulness Improves Well-Being

The National Library of Medicine shares a report that finds that mindfulness intervention in the aging population is associated with benefits in all the following areas:

• Cognition
• Emotions
• Physiology

The study shares that mindfulness training affords both emotional and cognitive benefits to those who practice it.

We Care About Your Overall Well-Being

At The Hickman in West Chester, PA, we go beyond the basics by focusing on holistic well-being, and our residents reap the rewards. Memory loss doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience that leaves us feeling alienated from our surroundings and loved ones. In fact, there is plenty to enjoy in the present, and by focusing on our residents’ strengths rather than fussing over their perceived weaknesses, we help to increase their enjoyment of life. If you’re looking for the right residential experience for you or your loved one, please contact us online or call 484-760-6300 for more information today.