Cottonwood Creek MBK Senior Living

Do you feel frustrated when you can't follow conversations?Do you feel your personal or social life is limited?Do you feel left out of conversations because you can't hear clearly what's said?YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Hearing loss is the third most common chronic disease (behind arthritis and heart disease) to impact aging adults. Sadly, hearing loss often causes people to draw the wrong conclusion about why a loved one may be confused, unresponsive to everyday noises like the doorbell, less social, or even more irritable. While approximately two in three people over the age of 70 have difficulty hearing, many may not want to admit they're having trouble. Getting help isn't just about rejoining conversations with ease studies show that those with hearing loss have a greater chance of developing dementia.What's the Connection? Brain Health.Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and cognitive decline that can impair daily life and independent function. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is growing evidence that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits such as exercise, continued learning, and joining activities that make them a part of a community. However, many of those suggestions falter among seniors who have difficulty hearing. Instead, many with hearing loss become socially disengaged, intellectually under stimulated, at risk for depression, and three times more at risk for falls. What's more, brain strain caused by trying to hear can negatively impact memory and thinking systems."Hear" to Help!That's why MBK Senior Living and Eversound have joined forces to fight the cognitive decline in seniors and enhance their day-to-day living. Eversound's wireless listening system is designed specifically for seniors with hearing impairment or concentration issues. The Eversound headphone systems can be used in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one interactions. In addition to improving seniors' quality of life, Eversound technology helps break down communication barriers between others, aids residents in feeling connected, and supports social, educational, and physical endeavors."Residents who avoided activities because they couldn't hear instructions clearly or participate in conversations can now join in with ease using the Eversound headphones," said Christy Van Der Westhuizen, vice president of sales and marketing for MBK Senior Living.According to Van Der Westhuizen, resident wellness has long been a component of MBK Senior Living's approach to care but utilizing the latest technology helps to elevate the offerings and benefits to residents. MBK's Mind+Body Wellness program offers a robust calendar of social, spiritual, physical, and educational opportunities daily. Those with a thirst for knowledge, or simply a curiosity to try something new, enjoy the variety of activities and outings and now are not limited by what they can hear."While we're in the initial roll-out stage at 34 of our communities, what we're hearing from our Resident Enrichment Directors is music to our ears," said Van Der Westhuizen. "Already there is an increase in resident participation and engagement, residents are happier, more connected and enjoying more activities that lead to heart and brain health.""Improving seniors' quality of life is a driving force behind Eversound technology," said Matt Reiners, co-found of Eversound. "Partnering with MBK amplifies the number of lives we can touch and experiences we can impact."