Explore SAIDO Learning

Improving the quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia constitute the 6th leading cause of death in the United States today, with an estimated 6 million older adults diagnosed. Every 65 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia with more than 5.8 million currently living with it (Alzheimer’s Association). A proven and successful approach to memory care is the SAIDO® Learning Program, offered exclusively at Covenant Living.

SAIDO Learning was developed by the Kumon Institute of Education in Osaka, Japan and is a nonpharmacological program based on a learning intervention. It offers mental exercises and an opportunity for enhancing individual engagement with staff and others in everyday life. The goal of SAIDO Learning is to not only provide care for individuals with dementia, but to improve their quality of life through intentional engagement opportunities. SAIDO does not just treat the symptoms of dementia, SAIDO changes the whole person, which is why Covenant Learning believes in our partnership.

Benefits of SAIDO

Visit a SAIDO community and you’ll quickly see how SAIDO is enlivening residents. Some of the benefits of the program include:

• Social interactions reducing the isolation felt by so many individuals in a memory care setting
• People engaged in SAIDO Learning programs are encouraged to participate more fully in activities of daily living.
• SAIDO offers a truly personalized resident experience, enriches connections with family and loved ones, and enhances professional development for staff.

How SAIDO Learning Works

The SAIDO Learning method involves a caregiver (called a “Supporter”) trained to work with two older adults (called “Learners”) by engaging them in a series of precise, yet simple, arithmetic, writing and reading exercises. The exercises are performed five times per week and last 30 minutes. The object of the program is not to teach the material but to engage the Learner in the accomplishment of repeated successful exercises, progressing to new material at the Learner’s own level and pace. This process fosters the Learner’s confidence, abilities, and initiative to advance and try new things. Changes in Learners are often observed and range from being more engaged in daily activities and meals, more socially involved with caregivers and families, and more optimistic about daily living. Learners have also shown increased engagement and social interaction with others.

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