Explore SAIDO Learning

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

As many of us know from personal experience, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other diseases affecting memory and cognition in older adults have severe impacts – not only do these diseases affect the lives of those diagnosed, they also affect the lives of friends, loved ones, and caregivers trying to provide assistance. SAIDO Learning can help lessen this impact by improving the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. SAIDO is a nonpharmacological program based on a learning intervention offering mental exercises and an opportunity for enhancing individual engagement with staff and others in everyday life.

SAIDO Learning was developed by the Kumon Institute of Education (Kumon) of Osaka, Japan, in conjunction with Professor Ryuta Kawashima of the Smart Aging International Research Center (SAIRC) at Tohoku University in Sendai. It has been practiced for more than 18 years in more than 1,600 nursing facilities across Japan, showing increased engagement in over 18,000 older adults. 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.

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. Through SAIDO Learning, we can do more than just care for older adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia – we can positively impact their quality of life without the use of drugs.

In the video below, you’ll get a glimpse of sessions and the exercises that learners and supporters take part in. The individualization throughout the sessions allows SAIDO to reach learners at any stage of dementia and enables them to gain confidence. SAIDO does not just treat the symptoms of dementia, SAIDO changes the person. 

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.

Ken’s Story

Jean’s Story

Partnership Opportunities

Covenant Living is partnering with other aging services organizations who share our resident-centered mission to offer SAIDO Learning to older adults across the United States. All of our partnering organizations have been selected and trained to offer the same innovative and consistent program provided through the SAIDO Learning® Institute.

Become a SAIDO Learning partner and offer real hope to those impacted with dementia. To learn more contact us at 224-645-3730. As the expert in aging services,  Covenant Living has been providing innovative programs to older adults since 1886. SAIDO Learning® is our innovative approach to enhance the quality of life for our residents with dementia through a non-pharmacological program. Covenant Living and SAIDO partner communities have seen countless successes through SAIDO implementation in our resident communities. Consider joining us now as we offer this innovative program to other aging services organizations across the United States.

There is hope for people living with dementia.

SAIDO Learning Partners receive:

• Supporter training throughout implementation
• Operations and training materials
• Ongoing support
• SAIDO software

Many providers have focused on decline, caring for older adults with dementia, and managing their symptoms. SAIDO Learning is an opportunity to complement existing treatments and activities with a unique focus on improving resident engagement.

Contact Us

Kumon Institute of Education provides research in the field of dementia. Please contact us if you are interested in learning about research offered by Kumon on potential learning strategies through the SAIDO Learning program for your residents with dementia. Call (224) 645-3730 today or fill out the form below. We appreciate your interest in SAIDO Learning.