Mental Stimulation Programs for Senior Living Communities

“My name is Arnie Wanak and I have been a Cognitive Coach with Fit Minds for the last eight months. I wouldn’t want to over state it, but these are people who see it as their mission, I would even say, their calling, to help those who are afflicted with various sorts of dementia. I count it a privilege to have worked with this administration and these clients. The administration is committed and devoted to helping those who are afflicted with dementia to the best of their ability. They are flexible and will adapt the program and its application to the needs of the client as best they can. I have worked with many clients who have had exceptional careers, from state supreme court judges, to career navigators in the Air Force, to highly successful salesman, entrepreneurs and educators, to everyday moms and dads. Wonderful people who are determined to fight an invisible foe, and in many cases hold their own and even improve their condition. Fit Minds does not claim to cure dementia, but it clearly mitigates the effect. I talked with the son of one of my clients and he said that before Fit Mind exercises, he couldn’t hold a conversation with his mother. After several months of Fit Minds sessions, he is able to have extended cogent conversations with her, to the point where he felt that she would be able to live on her own with some household help. Another client who, in spite of his dementia, continues to be able to run his household and care for his wife who is bed ridden with cancer. There are many stories of difficult circumstances that have been mitigated and even improved because of the cognitive stimulation offered by Fit Minds. It has been a privilege to work with both the administration and the clients, and I have personally gained from the experience. If my own personal situation had not required it, I would still enthusiastically be working with Fit Minds. I would highly encourage anyone interested in being a Cognitive Coach or interested in taking advantage of their services, to contact Fit Minds.”

“We are so excited about this program… we introduced it to about 8 of our residents this past Monday and they loved it! These are our regular “Brain Game” residents, so they really enjoyed it. We have also shared some of the lessons with a potential resident for her to work on at home.”

“It [certification training] was very informative. It reinforced what I already knew and also introduced me to studies and assessment tools I was unfamiliar with. The addition of modules addressing caregiver stress were also beneficial. These tools will be helpful, and I now have a greater grasp on how to present the program to the residents here at Presidential Place and better support their families.”

“People with mild / moderate dementia of all types should be given the opportunity to participate in a structured group cognitive stimulation programme. This should be delivered irrespective of any anti-dementia drug received by the person with dementia.”

“I became motivated and more confident about engaging in cognitive activities. I started to read again! I came to understand that simply doing crossword puzzles was not enough to keep my brain healthy.”

“I have known Janet and Peg for about a year now, and have used Fit Minds for the group program in 2 Memory Care communities. I have witnessed interactions and participation from residents who I never even thought understood, It is truly a priceless opportunity for senior living, and especially for those with dementia. And on top of all of that, everyone at Fit Minds are incredibly talented and humble individuals who I have the upmost respect for. Cheers to you, Fit Minds! I recommend this program for anyone in the senior living industry, you can thank me later!”

“Fit minds has been wonderful. Being able to witness first hand our residents discovering what kind of ability they still have and being so proud of their work is really a sight to see!”

“Hourly sitters or group activities are not an antidote, as they rarely offer true personal engagement. As a result, I jumped at the opportunity to try Fit Minds. My brother observed a coaching session one day, astounded at the capabilities brought out that he thought were long gone… ”

“I can say with full confidence that I am a better clinician because of the work that I’ve done with Fit Minds and I will take what I’ve learned with me on my journey towards becoming a clinical psychologist. I value relationships greatly and the relationships that I’ve built with my clients as well as the professional relationships I’ve built with you all have made it worthwhile. I will forever sing praises to this organization as I am proud to have been a part of it.”

“Fit Minds Cognitive Coach Certification is not a walk in the park. It is challenging and I have a Master’s degree in dementia and health care systems teaching. The information is thorough and be prepared to take tests over if you do not achieve a passing score on the first test (that hurt my feelings a little). I felt not passing a test on the first time demonstrated the validity of the material, the commitment of the organization to provide challenging and thought-provoking educational content and Fit Mind’s desire to allow us to fully learn the material before providing us a Cognitive Coach Certification. I now look forward to offering this energizing and stimulating curriculum to the residents of our retirement community. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to maintain or improve a person’s cognitive well-being within a fun and safe environment.”

“The biggest reward of working with seniors in building relationships of trust and watching them improve their cognitive abilities.”

“Fit Minds cognitive coaching is extremely beneficial for my mother.  We are thrilled that she’s been able to work one-on-one with her coach virtually with the help of the wonderful team at Allegro South Tampa.”

“Technology in any form can be overwhelming especially in a skilled nursing facility. However, Kerri and Janet are so supportive. They are quick to respond to questions via email or phone call. They will come to your facility as often as you need them to assist with anything from setting up the computers, to training staff and facilitating programs and assisting staff to facilitate programs.”

“The face-to-face interaction, whether in a group or one on one session is what works!  You are stimulating their minds. When Howie and I do our one-on-one sessions, we also talk about things we have in common for language discussion. We form a relationship above and beyond the exercises. It’s great stimulation. I have been in the senior living industry for more than twenty years and was also a Program Specialist and Client Advocacy for the Florida Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association.  Fit Minds works! I love it!”

“I am over the moon! What a nice gammet of information and support from such an amazing group of individuals who will work with you and be by your side throughout the entire process! I feel confident in my newfound skillset and able to take on the wonderful world of cognitive coaching!”

“The program has been a big hit with my group, and I am much appreciative of having two sections of my weekly special offerings filled with this easy to prep and facilitate program.”

“Fit Minds Virtual Coaching has been a tremendous help with my mother during the stay at home orders in place due to the Covid 19.  Being home and isolated has not been an easy adjustment for my Mother, who is typical a very social person. My mother has really enjoyed working with your staff.  Being 81 years old, my mother does not understand technology, and your tech support was very helpful in explaining how to get on Zoom. I appreciate all your help with my mother is such a trying time.”

“I wanted to share some great news from my dad’s neurologist annual appointment. He remains stabilized and is maintaining and no significant decline was seen again this year. The two neurologists asked what he was doing and I shared how he was getting CST 3x/ week. His doctor said as long as it’s not stressful to him, to “ keep it up!”. Very exciting and I hope you use this news to keep you encouraged with what you do each day and how you are truly Impacting lives . Thank you so much!!”

“The Fitminds program has been amazing for the residents at our community. Janet Knupp and her team take the time to develop active learning projects. Our residents who are independent living love the challenges, and we have noticed improvements with the residents who have some memory issues; especially in confidence building, socialization, and short term recall. I recommend anyone try Fit Minds!”

“The Fit Minds program is a valuable tool for anyone desiring to maintain and improve their brain health. The coaches are skilled and knowledgeable and the 1:1 coaching is the differentiator from other “brain fitness” programs. The programming is easy to deliver, can be adapted to various levels and is FUN- to deliver as well as to participate in. Highly recommend the personal trainer for the mind 1:1 coaching as well as the group sessions for a more socialized brain health experience!”

“Fit Minds has raised our ability to provide structured cognitive stimulation programming. I give Fit Minds the highest rating for ease, value and impact! Fit Minds is an important part of Erickson’s programming. I have no constructive criticism. You guys are rockstars!”

“Fit Minds always treats their clients with respect and works with them to improve their cognition and improve quality of life.”

“Fit Minds has been a wonderful addition to our programming in our assisted living community. Residents stimulate areas of the brain with fun and entertaining activities. The staff at Fit Minds is fantastic as well! They are supportive to activity staff and “get” why we do what we do. Companies like Fit Minds care about elders and those who serve them. Well done.”

“Fit Minds coaches care deeply about supporting seniors to retain their cognitive functioning and quality of life. I have met many of them and they are smart, professional and caring. I truly wish I knew about them for my parents.”

“We have been using Fit Minds in our Memory Care community and it has been very well received by the residents and their families. It’s fun and stimulating for them and keeps them curious and involved.”

“It is a pleasure to write a review of my experience as a cognitive coach for Fit Minds. The online training, certification process and relative content for memory care participants is very informative and comprehensive. My work with the clients and families formed very special relationships, we learn together as we navigate this journey of their lives.”

“Fit Minds is a truly unique and valuable program. They have been working with my mother for over a year. My mother has dementia, but they are able to bring life back in cognitive areas that are fading too fast. Some days they are even able to get mom to read again. Most of all they connect and engage with her on a personal level, a priceless gift. Janet, Amy, Susan, are amazing. A great opportunity for any senior, not just those with dementia.”

“My family and I are grateful to have wonderful coaches work with Mom on a weekly basis. We especially enjoy the reports that show us her engagement with various subjects and love to see how the Fit Minds staff always put a smile on her face. Thank you, Michele and Janet, for genuinely caring about Mom.”

“Janet catapults the status quo as far as offering new and innovative products into senior communities. Having not met such an inspiring, caring, compassionate full of energy individual, Janet lights the way for what is to come. Truly an inspiration for the future of senior living. “

“Wonderful. This [Fit Minds Cognitive Coach Certification Training] was a great course.”

“I have been in the industry for 25 years and have seen a lot of programming. Fit Minds stands head and shoulders above the rest. This is a complete solution that allows us to adapt to our clients’ individual needs and is easily executed by our staff. I saw first-hand the positive impact that the program had on my residents.”

“Fit minds is a great tool and the residents love it.”

“Mom has been working with FitMinds for over a year now and we could not be happier. Her coach, Michele, has done far more than just working on improving or maintaining her cognitive skills, but through FitMinds has established a loving and caring friendship with her. I have such peace knowing that FitMinds is checking in with mom a couple of times a week.”

“We’ve been having Fit Minds on Friday mornings. It’s been going really well! We go around the room with the beginning language portion—so everyone has/gets to give an answer. The calendar portion goes fairly well—I can really see who knows what day it is (not going anywhere or seeing family has some residents now knowing the day and date during this pandemic). I try to put the visual/spatial on a dry erase board so that we can work through it as a group after everyone has had some time to attempt it. The memory/critical thinking is probably everyone’s favorite—most remember long term information. Sometimes I get weird looks with the computation because no one really WANTS to do math, BUT they do it anyway and I usually challenge them to see how quickly they can finish the problems. We then discuss how people feel they did—were they easy/hard? Language/Music is my personal favorite because it gets us all talking again, like at the beginning of the session. The reason I work with seniors is because I have genuine interest in their thoughts as a different generation than mine and someone usually shares a good story from days of yore that we all get to enjoy. The affirmation cards might be the residents’ favorite—they love picking a card that means something to them. A few have put them on their fridges, so it’s always nice to see that when I’m in their apartment. I absolutely love this resource! I’m so glad we bought in!”

“It’s evident to me that Fit Minds is committed to serving seniors 1-on-1. It is amazing to see how engaged seniors with dementia can be with cognitive stimulation. Brain health is just as important as physical health.”

“We implement Fit Minds at all of our Assisted Living communities and have had an amazing experience implementing the program. So many positive things to say! The Fit Minds team is always accessible, accommodating, and highly responsive. They are always willing to support our implementation of the program in any way to ensure that both the Directors of Elements (Activity Directors) and residents have the best experience. The teaching curriculum is easily accessible, easily implemented, fun, and challenging. Between the quality of the product and the impact it can make on the cognitive ability of our residents these are some of the best dollars we spend.”

“I was very impressed with the Fit Minds cognitive coach certification program. As someone who has been in the brain health and senior living industry for my entire career, and who also trains care staff to be Certified Dementia Practitioners, becoming a Fit Minds Cognitive Coach was a great addition to my professional offerings. I am going to begin leading individual and group cognitive stimulation sessions in Central Virginia this fall. After reading about the impact Fit Minds has had on so many people’s lives, I am excited to join them in making a difference through Cognitive Stimulation Coaching for seniors, with or without a dementia diagnosis. I highly recommend the certification program.”

“Both Independent living and Assisted living residents have benefited from the FitMinds Group Sessions. It is amazing to see how engaged they are and how each one progressively tackles more complex activities. What a privilege it is work with individuals and families who value their brain fitness health!”

“Regal is facilitating Fit Minds as an in-room activity. The residents appreciate the ability to continue with this program on their own and they really enjoy it. When we are back to “normal” we plan to bring back the group setting along with the “take and go” for those who prefer to participate on their own. Our Fit Minds group has grown despite the restrictions!”

“It is going so well! We love Fit Minds. We are doing classes every Wednesday and Friday and the residents seem to enjoy it and stay engaged. Thanks so much!”

“Connection between coach and subject was quite good. His patience and approach to Patricia’s condition and current abilities has encouraged her to continue working because she now has hope that improvement is possible.”

“Fit Minds is committed to ensuring that we, as coaches, are continuously prepared to successfully provide the highest-level cognitive coaching for our seniors. Starting with the online certification program, progressing into hands-on training and continuing with timely personal support when needed, we have the tools to achieve results for our clients and their families.”

“I have enjoyed it so much so far! I’ve been doing it more as a one on one activity in memory care and the residents I have had sessions with so far have so much fun! It’s been exciting to see the skills they still have that they forgot they even had!”

“Fit Minds’ coaches have been supporting Inspired Living at Tampa for years. We were one of the first communities in Florida to realize the value of cognitive stimulation! We have seen positive results for all of the residents who receive one-on-one Personal Trainer for the Mind sessions. We love that the one-on-one sessions are specific to each resident’s cognitive abilities. Fit Minds’ coaches are professional and have formed meaningful relationships with our residents as well. We loved the results we were seeing so much that we invited Fit Minds to also offer group cognitive stimulation sessions! We invite the public to come see one!”

“This course was interesting, up to date and informative. I loved it!”

“Fit Minds is an amazing program that delivers real results that matter – both for the client, the family, physicians overseeing the client’s care, etc. I work in the healthcare field and have seen firsthand the life-changing impact that this program has on people. I can’t say enough great things about it. If you are on the fence about whether or not to give it a try – just do it, and see for yourself.”

“What a fabulous training course! Information is clear and extremely informative! I have worked in healthcare 27 years as an Occupational Therapist but have gained so much knowledge and insight already just from Module 1! Thank you, Fit Minds!”

“Our residents are LOVING Fit Minds! We are using it twice each week for both assisted living and for memory care. We have so much fun during each session; in memory care our groups just keep getting bigger! Thanks to Fit Minds, we are learning more about the cognitive abilities and inabilities of our residents.”

“Fantastic program! The staff at Fit Minds could not have been any more caring, thoughtful and professional. Their kindness and compassion was beyond my wildest expectations. And my dad thoroughly enjoyed their program. He raved about how knowledgeable his coaches were, and how interesting and engaging their conversations were. Highly recommend!”

“We love the Fit Minds program. Staff have started to make packets for our residents here for rehab and for our Assisted Care folks. We are looking forward to starting a Fit Minds group session once a week in our Garden Room.”

“Listening to you talk and learning about Fit Minds has given me some of my mojo back and has me excited about something again, so thank you so much for that!”

“I’ve had the opportunity to see Fit Minds programs in action from the very start, I was impressed with the difference the Fit Minds programs made in the lives of my residents when I was the general manager at Portobello Manor. I remember with one family in particular, the improvement of her memory and the ability to interact with her kids had a huge impact on the family relationships.”

“It is difficult to engage my brother in puzzles, chores or exercise at home. I thought I would try the virtual session and to my surprise he liked it very much. Office staff helped me set it up on Zoom, and it was very easy.  We are not going to miss a session..”  

“My mom thrived with Fit Minds. She was able to do things we thought she had lost forever. I was getting married in a few months and I had serious concerns about my mom not being able to attend because of her lack of connection to the world outside of her own head. The progress my mom made while working with Janet and her staff was so unbelievably pronounced in that short period of time, that my mom not only came to our wedding, she is in every picture smiling and having the time of her life. My gratitude for how FitMinds changed the last year of my mom’s life is more than I can ever repay. Thank you for my mom , Janet and all the staff who worked with her. Much love to you all!”

“OHCA conference in OHIO was educational and nice to see other Activity professionals. A nice time for CEO Janet Knupp to introduce Fit Minds and review the benefits of the program. The Fit Minds cognitive stimulation program is for independent seniors also those who are challenged with cognitive impairment. The program is easy and enjoyable check it out.”

“Our residents thoroughly enjoy both the group and individual sessions provided by Fit Minds. Not only are the activities fun and engaging but also therapeutic ultimately reaping cognitive benefit. Thank you to Janet and her amazing team!!”

“I have been involved in care giving for persons with dementia for fifty years. I am now a Fit Minds coach and can attest to the program’s effectiveness and the positive impact it has on my clients and their families. I highly recommend this program for anyone dealing with dementia at any stage.”

“Fit Minds delivered group cognitive stimulation sessions at the senior living community where I worked. Our memory care residents reacted so positively and were highly engaged. And, residents laughed and were able to do things that we were surprised by. It works!”

“I support two Fit Minds clients with very different levels of cognitive impairment by successfully tackling various Fit Minds activities, my independent living client is gaining self-confidence as well as demonstrating improved memory and verbal skills. My client in memory care displays focus and determination when completing activities.”

“The session went great and we had 16 at our meeting this week.! The part they enjoy most is the fellowship that is prompted by some of the exercises. At our group this week, they remarked about how much they are learning about each other despite having been “together all of these years!”

“Love the product. Our Residents Just moved in yesterday. We are just in the beginning process we are a brand-new building. I’m looking forward to using this in our memory care neighborhood and I know our engagement staff is looking forward to using this in our assisted-living.”

“I cried tears of joy when I saw my mom interacting with her granddaughters… This was the first time she acted like a grandma in two years.”

“Fit Minds and everyone who works for them is great to work with. Very flexible. Owner Janet Knupp is over the top accommodating. Fit Minds have made a difference in some many senior’s lives.”

“Yes, we have done Fit Minds in MC and AL and they really like it a lot. I feel very comfortable with it and its so user friendly, easy to print everything off, I love it.”

“Both coaches recently made the time to be significantly present for my mother’s birthday, and that speaks volumes. Her face lit up when she saw them arrive, as they are now an integral part of her world.”

“Wonderful training – super helpful and easy to take and implement.”