Guided Cognitive Activity Caregivers Training Program

Aging is primarily associated with the decline and loss of memory. While several available pharmacological agents can play an important role in memory preservation and are known to delay the symptoms of memory decline, these treatments come with a fairly high price tag. Memory loss medications are linked to a high rate of potentially life-threatening side effects. Thus, the most promising avenue of intervention is prevention. It has been scientifically proven in many studies that nutrition, physical activities, social interactions and cognitive activities practiced throughout a person’s life, as well as in old age, are effective in improving and maintaining function levels and quality of life.

The goal of the project is to promote cognitive stimulation to preserve memory in old age. Many elderly people are housebound and have minimal physical and cognitive stimulation. Caregivers of the elderly who are interested in enriching their toolbox and broadening their ability for richer interaction have been chosen to participate in an exciting Ezer Mizion caregiver training course.

Although cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process, there are lots of benefits to cognitive stimulation activities, such as an improvement in cognitive function, memory retention, attention span, and abstract reasoning and problem-solving. These functions, along with the social exposure that the training brings, enhance self-esteem both for the caregiver and for the elderly client. Techniques for encouraging involvement are taught and modeled by geriatric professionals from the Ezer Mizion team.

The training syllabus is delivered in three intense theoretic and hands-on sessions, followed by professional supervision in the senior’s home, with annual enrichment meetings for all the caregivers to further enhance their skills.

The pilot version was done at Ezer Mizion’s Herzliya division and is currently being replicated at 14 different Ezer Mizion service centers throughout Israel: Netanya, Kfar Sabba, Petach Tikvah, Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, Holon, Bat Yam, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Ashdod, Rehovot, Lod, Modiin Ilit, Rishon Lezion.

 

Intergenerational Outings for the Elderly is an additional project by Ezer Mizion that has merited Alex and Rosa Dembitizer’s kind attention and support. The Dembitzers are passionate about helping the elderly and finding ways to improve the difficulties that come with aging.

The goal of this project is to promote intergenerational interaction, stimulating the connection between grandchildren and their grandparents by enhancing their bond and closing the generational gap through exciting activities.

The project is beginning as a pilot with several families going to specific venues where they will participate in pre-planned shared activities. The outcomes will be assessed in order to evaluate the project’s next steps and ensure its strong impact on participants through the strengthening of their bond with their children and grandchildren.

The first of these outings is scheduled to take place in another three weeks. It will be arranged by Ezer Mizion professional staff, after identifying families that would benefit most from such an opportunity. Ezer Mizion volunteers will also be a part of the group and assist in facilitating the technical aspects of the trip.