Vanessa Guilarte, neuropsychologist at MemoriK cognitive stimulation centers for the elderly, reveals the benefits of working with NeuronUP for cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in hybrid mode.
In memoriK we specialize in providing cognitive stimulation services that are tailored to the needs of each patient. Age, physical condition, cognitive performance, availability or economic possibilities, are some of the variables that we consider to provide the best service. Thus, we have a wide variety of patients with different profiles: those who come to the center, those who prefer sessions from home, those with no or little cognitive impairment, those with a more moderate level, and many more. In this opportunity we share with you how we carry out cognitive stimulation activities in hybrid modality of our cognitive impairment prevention group, or as we warmly call them in our center: the experts.
Hybrid cognitive stimulation of preventive groups
It is not news that in 2020 all sectors have had to modify and restructure their strategies to continue offering their services. In our case, we have adopted the basic hygiene and safety regulations for face-to-face cognitive stimulation sessions. In addition, we have made use of online conferencing to continue providing sessions to patients who feel more comfortable and secure from their homes. Thus was born this new modality for us: a fusion between online and face-to-face, a hybrid cognitive stimulation group.
How do we do hybrid cognitive stimulation?
We selected a frequency of twice a week where all patients could come to the center or connect from home. To connect, we have provided a link on a simple virtual platform, where they simply have to enter the room, with their camera and microphones on. While they connect, we wait for those who come to the center and welcome them with the appropriate security measures. Once everyone is ready, we proceed with the start of the session, sharing the screen, so that both groups can follow the session.
It is important that the online user has sufficient independence and self-management capacity. He/she must be able to deal with any technical incident, something very common when using technological platforms.
How do we organize the sessions?
Based on the weekly programming of the cognitive skills to be stimulated, we prepare activities so that they can be presented on the center’s big screen. These include the activity sheets that the professionals develop at the center, and also dynamics with online board games and the NeuronUP platform; which has been of great help to us, as it improves the patient experience, provides unconditional support for the professional and livens up the session.
All the activities of the session are shared on the screen, so we take care of details such as having a large font size and that the presentation is organized; thus, the experts work orally or in writing.
We want the experience to be enjoyable for everyone. That is why we try to ensure that the activities do not require too much writing, allow for individual resolution and give space for participation.
How do patients perceive it?
With the end of the summer, we can say that the patients in this group did not have absenteeism, as they connected to the session regardless of where they were, or came to the center if they had not gone on vacation. They do not find it a burden to attend their stimulation sessions in any way; they find it fun and entertaining; and we cannot stress enough the importance of having hybrid cognitive stimulation platforms to achieve this.
NeuronUP for cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in hybrid mode
We have been able to verify that NeuronUP is a tool that is prepared for any area of intervention or cognitive process that we are interested in stimulating. Since our group of experts is characterized by not having any significant alteration or pathology in the performance of their cognitive functions, it allows us to continue stimulating and working on all areas of intervention. Therefore, we need to count on constant support to be prepared and to have enough and varied material to reinforce in the best possible way all the cognitive skills of this preventive group.
Because of its ease of use, we have not had any technical difficulties or lack of compatibility with the online class when it comes to screen sharing. In fact, on the contrary, it gives us agility and practicality in the middle of the session.
Likewise, it is not only a useful and functional tool for neuropsychological stimulation, but it is also of high quality. It has good resources accompanied with good graphics, and provides resolution, organization and practicality, both for the professional and for the patients doing the activities.
Likewise, it allows us to add a playful and participatory component to the sessions, reducing tension and favoring companionship and dialogue, so much desired in this particular group.
Last but not least, we have noticed how the use of this simple platform during the sessions, such as NeuronUP, is giving our patients more fluency with technology, and little by little they are approaching more, and with less fear, to other forms of technology. Therefore, the use of NeuronUP for cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in hybrid mode has left us pleasantly satisfied.
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