EP 123 :: Cognitive Engagement for Those Living with Dementia :: Hayle Wilder

In this episode Bobbi & Mike talk with Senior Activities Coach Hayle Wilder. Hayle gives us tips on how to engage our loved ones living with dementia on a daily basis. We learn how Hayle applies a person-centered approach to design activity curriculum, and how caregivers can connect personally with those living with Dementia by understanding their interests and background.

Since 2014, Hayle Wilder has worked closely with seniors to support their life enrichment across many stages of cognitive abilities. Hayle's work has spanned a range of settings on the central coast of California, including an Adult Day Center, Assisted Living & Memory Care Unit, Independent Living Community, and Skilled Nursing Facility. During her senior endeavors, Hayle facilitated a social club for health and wellness featuring weekly curriculum and group discussions, designed and directed a monthly activities calendar for an Assisted Living and Memory Care building, and led life enrichment programs, including art, exercise, music, and cognitively engaging classes. Hayle's educational background and training includes a Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, as well as an Activity Leadership Training and Seminar Certification recognized by the California Department of Public Health.

In 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many seniors to experience extraordinary challenges due to social distancing regulations, isolating environments, and disengaging conditions which kept seniors from friends, family, and neighbors. Through the wonders of technology, Hayle saw firsthand how a little bit of creativity turned weekly sentiments of seclusion and solitude into meaningful programs and connections. With this new way of providing social and cognitive engagement, virtual communication emerged as an ideal way to incorporate recreation into the homes of seniors living throughout the United States. 

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Thank you to Artis Senior Living for sponsoring this episode.