Hybrid Cognitive Stimulation for Preventive Groups with NeuronUP

The neuropsychologist at MemoriK’s cognitive stimulation centers for older adults, Vanessa Guilarte, reveals the benefits of working with NeuronUP for the cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in a hybrid format.

At memoriK we specialize in providing cognitive stimulation services that adapt to each user’s needs. Age, physical condition, cognitive performance, availability, or financial means are some of the variables we consider to provide the best service.

Thus, we have a wide variety of users with different profiles: those who come to the center, those who prefer sessions from home, those who have no or little cognitive decline, those who have a more moderate level, and many more.

In this article we share how we carry out cognitive stimulation in a hybrid modality for our preventive group for cognitive decline, or as we warmly call them in our center: the experts.

Hybrid cognitive stimulation for preventive groups

It is no secret that in 2020 all sectors had to modify and restructure their strategies to continue offering their services. In our case, we adapted the basic hygiene and safety regulations for in-person cognitive stimulation sessions.

In addition, we made use of online conferences to continue delivering sessions to users who feel more comfortable and safe from their homes. Thus this new modality was born for us: a fusion of online and in-person, a hybrid cognitive stimulation group.

How do we carry out hybrid cognitive stimulation?

We have selected a frequency of twice a week in which all users could either come to the center or connect from their homes. To connect, we provide a link on a simple virtual platform, where they simply have to enter the room with their cameras and microphones on. While they connect, we wait for those attending the center. Once everyone is ready, we begin the session, sharing the screen so that both groups can follow it.

It is important that the online user has sufficient independence and self-management ability. They must be able to handle any technical incident.

How do we organize the sessions?

Based on the weekly schedule of the cognitive skills to be stimulated, we prepare activities to be displayed on the center’s large screen. These include the activity sheets that the professionals develop at the center, as well as dynamics with online board games and the NeuronUP platform; which has been of great help to us, as it improves the users’ experience, serves as unwavering support for the professional, and enlivens the session.

All session activities are shared on the screen, so we mind details such as having a large font size and an organized presentation; thus, the experts work orally or in writing.

We aim for the experience to be pleasant for everyone. That is why we try to ensure activities do not require too much writing, allow individual completion, and leave room for participation.

How do users perceive it?

By the end of the summer, we can say that the users in this group had no absences, as they connected to the session regardless of where they were, or came to the center if they hadn’t gone on vacation.

Attending sessions in any modality is not a burden for them; they find it fun and entertaining; and we continue to emphasize the importance of having hybrid cognitive stimulation platforms to achieve this.

NeuronUP for the cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in a hybrid format

We have been able to verify that NeuronUP is a tool that is suitable for any area of intervention or cognitive process 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 constant support to be prepared and have sufficient 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 difficulty or compatibility issues with the online class when sharing the screen. In fact, quite the opposite; it provides agility and practicality during the session.

Likewise, it is a tool not only useful and functional for neuropsychological stimulation, but it is of quality. It features good resources accompanied by good graphics, and provides clarity, organization, and practicality for both the professional and the users.

Similarly, it allows us to add a playful and participatory component to the sessions, reducing tension and also promoting companionship and dialogue, so desired in this particular group.

Last but not least, we have noticed how using this simple platform during the sessions, such as NeuronUP, helps our users become more comfortable with technology, and little by little they approach other forms of technology with less fear.

Therefore, the use of NeuronUP for the cognitive stimulation of preventive groups in a hybrid modality has left us very satisfied.

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“This article has been translated. Link to the original article in Spanish:”
Estimulación cognitiva híbrida de grupos preventivos con NeuronUP