Therapies that emphasize the mind-body connection, also known as somatic therapies, are gaining recognition in Alzheimer’s care. Somatic therapies are known to be valuable tools to reduce anxiety, improve quality of life, and support emotional regulation. Therapies that focus on both the mind and the body work by engaging the body to influence mental and emotional states. For individuals with Alzheimer’s, this can improve feelings of calm, groundedness, and connection. This is especially poignant when verbal communication becomes more challenging.
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BayView Senior Assisted Living in Point Loma, California, is one of the top assisted living facilities in the greater San Diego area. We’re known for our compassionate caregivers, beautiful grounds, and personalized, individualized care. We consider it an honor to walk alongside families as they traverse the challenging and heartbreaking journey of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We understand that our residents’ holistic experience of life (social, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) is incredibly important. Our compassionate caregivers provide top-notch, individualized care to each of the members of our memory care communities.
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch, or touch therapy, is an effective somatic intervention. Touch therapy can include techniques such as hand or head massages. Studies show that intentional, gentle touch provides many benefits. These include lower stress hormones, emotional comfort, and a decrease in aggressive behaviors. When verbal communication becomes challenging, regular positive touch can restore a sense of human connection.
Gentle Movement Practices
Guided stretching, tai chi, and yoga are examples of somatic practices that encourage body awareness. When used appropriately and adapted as needed, these gentle movement flows can be beneficial to individuals living with Alzheimer’s, even those in moderate stages of the disease.
These gentle movement practices promote joint mobility, increase relaxation, and improve balance–all essential in maintaining independence and minimizing fall risk. They also soothe the nervous system, which can reduce agitation and anxiety.
Breathing Exercises
Breathwork is often integrated into somatic therapy. Guided breathing exercises, especially when paired with a soothing voice or calming music, can be a powerful tool to de-escalate anxiety, agitation, or emotional distress. The autonomic nervous system is regulated by deep, slow breathing exercises. Even when memory and cognition are impaired, the body can often still respond to these simple physical cues.
Somatic Therapies for Caregivers
Somatic therapies can also be beneficial to family caregivers. Caregivers carry significant emotional stress and physical strain. Body-based practices, including various somatic therapies, can help caregivers stay grounded, reduce exhaustion, and build resilience.
Somatic therapies do not slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease; however, they provide a body-based way to support emotional strength, reduce challenging symptoms, and foster meaningful human connection. In a condition where so much is lost, these practices offer a way to experience peace, dignity, and comfort.
BayView: Southern California Senior Assisted Living
At BayView Assisted Living, we strive to provide compassionate, individualized care, preserving our residents’ dignity at every stage of their Alzheimer’s journey. We’re committed to holistic care that engages our residents on emotional, mental, and spiritual as well as physical levels.
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At BayView, we promote safety with a secured perimeter environment and trained staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our beautiful assisted living home and surrounding grounds are equipped with surveillance cameras in all public and outdoor spaces. Our home and spacious grounds meet all ADA requirements including wide hallways, safety rails, shower chairs, and no lips or gaps at doorways. This allows for easy wheelchair and walker access, increasing ease of mobility for residents.
