Innovations in Alzheimer’s Care: The Silverado Golf Program

 

For over two decades research has shown that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as inactivity, may affect the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. For someone with Alzheimer’s, physical activity may also prevent the frequent complications of falls, behavioral disruptions, inability to ambulate, and weight loss.

With the knowledge that physical activity is a key component in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s complications, Silverado has taken great strides to provide engagement programs that promote and improve physical activity.

Silverado’s Golf Program in Belmont Hills has received national acclaim from the American Society on Aging as well as the Wall Street Journal for its innovation in Alzheimer’s care. The program was inspired by a resident of Silverado – Belmont who recalled his fondness for the sport and expressed his desire to continue playing. The program grew from this inspiration and now takes groups of residents from our Belmont community to Deep Cliff Golf Course in Cupertino, CA. Their weekly golf sessions are directed by a professional instructor and higher-functioning residents have the option of playing on their own.

Overall this program has had incredible success, both in its ability to improve physical fitness and also as a way to promote excitement and engagement. Silverado stories like this one represent our commitment to give LIFE to those affected by Alzheimer’s; we hope you enjoy this video and the achievement it represents toward the future of Alzheimer’s care.

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