Patricia Stirlen, an 82 year old Bethesda resident, leaned forward in her chair and intently watched a U.S. map on a computer monitor, waiting for the prompt to identify the state being referred to on the screen.

The computer program that had Patricia’s complete attention was designed by a company called “It’s Never 2 Late” (iN2LTM). An interactive computer system for seniors, the iN2L touch-screen displays a content library with multiple offerings to stimulate memory, movement, creativity and fun for users.

Bethesda is one of the few senior living, care, and services organizations in the St. Louis area offering the computer system for their residents’ use. Systems are currently available at Bethesda Southgate, Bethesda Hawthorne Place, Bethesda Dilworth, and Bethesda Meadow, the skilled nursing home community where Patricia lives.

Bethesda decided to incorporate the iN2L system because of its proven benefits for residents. “I strongly believe that this program will improve resident satisfaction by offering a more resident-centered program, which in turn will enhance the resident’s quality of life,” says Chris Crouch, RN, Vice President and Senior Administrator at Bethesda Southgate.

“Staff will have a better understanding of the residents’ abilities, preferences, needs and wants,” Chris continued. “This program can offer experiences that will help them develop the skills to be as independent as possible, and participate in their care at the highest level possible for that individual.”

Remember, Discover & Create

When the system prompted her with a state name, Patricia touched the screen to identify the state’s location. In another offering, the screen appeared as clear water that rippled when Patricia touched it. Curious “fish” then “swam” up to her fingertip. Other stimulating games and visual effects offered include:

  • Interactive music files that allow residents to sing along and “play” instruments. The recordings can be saved and shared with family.
  • History and trivia quizzes, along with a host of games.
  • Clips from old TV shows and commercials.
  • Puzzles that residents can work by touching the screen.
  • A flight simulator, complete with joystick.
  • A stationary bike connected to a program that enables residents to enjoy an onscreen scenic path while getting their exercise.
  • A paint program to create artwork that can be saved and printed or emailed to a family member.
  • Foreign language courses.
  • Google Earth app for residents to view locations nearby or around the world.
  • The ability to see what is happening around the world in real time via livestream video.

Also, through iN2L’s Internet connection, Skype and email with family members can be set up, with pages customized for each resident.

Fun That Improves Mind & Mood

Numerous case studies have shown that the iN2L computer system improves engagement, quality of life, and provides stress relief for seniors.

For example, a study by LeadingAge, a national community-based, nonprofit association specializing in aging services, found the following benefits when residents used the system:

  • There was a 40% reduction in total doses of antipsychotic medications.
  • Behavioral episodes became less frequent for 54% of participants.
  • Depression decreased by 41%.
  • Cognitive scores rose for 24% of the test group members.

Or, as Patricia puts it: “I like it because it makes me think fast and work fast.”

The LeadingAge study also found a 47% drop in stress indicators for staff. As caregivers monitor the iN2L program with the residents, they too get caught up in the fun and become cheerleaders.

According to Amy Cohen, an Activities Assistant at Bethesda Meadow, the program has “brought residents out of their shells,” as they enjoy setting personal best scores on various games.

Among the favorite activities is a game that allows residents to pick a category and then guess the cost of an item in that category from decades ago. An example question: How much did a pair of women’s nylon stockings cost in 1948? If you answered a $1.45 like Patricia did, you would be correct.

The “Patricia Review” Is In

What would Patricia say to fellow seniors about the program? “Try it! Just try it! You’re gonna love it!”

After a 20-minute session with the iN2L system, she had one question: “Do I get to play again?”

Learn more about the iN2L program and its benefits for senior residents by contacting Bethesda’s skilled nursing department.

Whether in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, Bethesda offers the right amenities, services, programming, and staff to make every day full of purpose. See for yourself and tour our independent living communities, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster.
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