This month, we recognize Alzheimer’s awareness and Family Caregiver awareness. At Kauhale, we provide quality care for our residents with Alzheimer’s in our reimagined memory care units, featuring our exclusive “ASAP” memory care program. Our number one priority is to provide a quality life for our residents, and that starts with positive relational connections and emotional contagions. We are so grateful to the families who have entrusted us with the care of their loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
What is Quality of Life?
Quality of life is an individual’s perception of their position in life within the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and which they consider relevant. It is a broad concept that can include satisfactions, enjoyments, aspirations, adjustment to circumstance, etc.
At Kauhale, we believe that quality of life is essential for our residents living with Alzheimer’s. That’s why our memory care units provide an environment that promotes positive relational connections and emotional contagions.
Why Positive Relationships Matter
Positive relationships are important for everyone, but they’re especially important for those living with Alzheimer’s. Why? Because social interactions stimulate the brain and can delay cognitive decline. Research has shown that social interactions can reduce stress levels, improve mood, promote independent living, and even increase lifespan.
Why Emotional Contagion Matters
Emotional contagion is the tendency to catch and feel emotions that are similar to or correspond with those of others around us. When we see someone smile, we mirror their expressions and often feel happy ourselves; when we see someone react angrily to a situation, we often mirror their expressions and feel angry ourselves. Emotional contagion plays an important role in how humans interact with each other—and it can also play an important role in how humans interact with technology.
An environment that promotes emotional contagion can improve mood, reduce stress levels, promote independent living, and even increase lifespan—all key factors in providing a quality life for our residents.
Pam Reese
