Brain Health Programs Maximize Quality Lifestyle at Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson

“A major focus for our campus is to provide quality programs for optimal brain health,” says Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson CEO Heidi Brown. “It is vital to our residents to stay intellectually engaged. They want stimulating and diverse activities, classes and experiences on campus and during off-site outings. So, what could be a better investment than bringing them the best programs for mental wellness and the most effective methods for preventing mental decline? Brain power. Everybody wants that.”   

In February, Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson campus became an affiliate of Sci-Brain, a service of the Roskamp Institute. The Roskamp Institute is an internationally acclaimed, not-for-profit Institute, focused on finding cures for Alzheimer’s disease. It is located in Sarasota and linked with Institutes worldwide.  This partnership provides opportunities for residents to achieve optimal brain health and reduce risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

A neurology service delivered by neurologists, nurse practitioners and registered nurses specially trained in brain health and cognitive neurology, Sci-Brain builds brain reserve to optimize mental performance and protect against stroke, symptoms of dementia and other injuries at any age. Modalities include exercise, nutrition, cognitive stimulation and stabilizing medical conditions that are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The plan is to expand the Sci-Brain program to be open to the public sometime this summer.

Already open to the community outside the campus, Get Thinking is a complimentary eight-week series offered at Kobernick House. The course is led by Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson Director of Therapy Services Elyse Gordon, MS/CCC-SLP. Her mantra is “we celebrate success every day.”

Participants receive a Get Thinking workbook with activities to strengthen the mind, improve memory and spark imagination. Its initial questionnaire determines specific needs, and the post-course questionnaire measures progress. Lessons explore memory tips, verbal expressions, sleep patterns and how effective stress management builds mental prowess. Traditional medications and complementary modalities like aromatherapy are discussed. Participants learn why a stimulating fragrance like peppermint helps clear thinking. The first Get Thinking series began with a full class that continues through April.

Kobernick University is another program developed to keep residents learning, laughing, socializing and exploring a variety of topics presented by faculty of Lifelong Learning Academy of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Suncoast Technical College and other subject experts. Popular Kobernick University classes include Berthe Morisot: The Gentle Touch, Mystique of Jazz, Foreign Affairs, The History of Jewish Humor, Bible Miracles, iPad Rookies and iPad Pros.

Kobernick University and other life-enriching programs for residents are supported, in part, by generous community partners who sponsor fund-raising events and grant opportunities for Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson, which is a not-for-profit organization founded by the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council. On March 15, the Eight over 80 celebration recognized eight honorees, who are at least 80 years of age, for their outstanding community achievements through volunteerism and philanthropy. Proceeds from this event will help support services for Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson residents. Kobernick House residents, Dr. Helen and Sidney Fagin are among the 2015 honorees.

Director of Therapy Services Elyse Gordon, MS/CCC-SLP

CEO Heidi Brown with Kobernick House residents and Eight over 80 Honorees Sidney and Dr. Helen Fagin

Sponsored by Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc., Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson operates on a non-discriminatory basis for admissions, services and employment. ALF # 8951 · SNF # 130471046