Residents of Chisholm Place recently crafted keychains, bracelets, and coasters as part of a fundraiser in honor of a local firefighter, Ty Voth, who was killed in the line of duty. The residents are committed to giving back and supporting their local community. Participating in charitable acts like these bring added purpose and meaning to their lives as well as those they are supporting through their efforts.

The funds raised were donated to the Wichita Firefighters Charitable Fund.

The fundraiser was covered by local Wichita station KAKE. You can watch the video here.

Once an artist, always an artist and no one knows this better than talented artist, Gail Taylor, resident of Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California.

Taylor’s artwork has been featured in books and has been displayed in hotels and hospitals all over the country. Her signature works have depicted leaves cast in metals, such as copper. She accomplishes it by dipping the leaves in liquids and positioning them on copper plates. They are beautiful works of art and residents of Vineyard Place were excited to have some of these works displayed in their own exhibit.

The event was covered by the Press Enterprise. You can read the full article here.

Residents and local seniors competed for the crown at Greenridge Place Memory Care. Residents and staff had a blast creating scarves and hats for the show. Contestants performed and walked the runway to enthusiastic rounds of applause, until the final moment when former Mrs. Senior Colorado crowned the winners. It was a fun and engaging event for all who participated and attended!

The event was covered by local TV station, KDVR and you can watch the video here.

Lucille Noble, a 102-year-old resident of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas, was taught to fish by her father as a child growing up in Thida, Arkansas. Pinnacle staff wanted to give her and Biff Morgan, another Pinnacle Place fishing aficionado, a chance to unleash their skills at the Bass Pro Shop pond. Guided by a Bass Pro expert, they had a blast telling stories about earlier days and enjoying the experience all over again.

The fishing expedition was covered in an article by local Little Rock Patch, which you can read here.

Families with loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are often left with more questions than answers. In many cases this is because their lives have been turned upside down by the news and they are struggling to gain control over their situation. It isn’t easy.

This is why it is critical for families to have access to solid information. They need answers to their immediate questions, a greater understanding of what is happening to their loved one, and tools to pave the way forward. Being armed with information will also help support decisions on how to handle their loved one’s needs, now and in the future.

It begins with an understanding of the stages of Alzheimer’s. And there are more than you think.

One area that often gets glossed over is a comprehensive description of the stages of Alzheimer’s. Most families have a vague understanding and often generally describe it as early, middle, and late stages of the disease.

In fact, there are seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as outlined by the Global Deterioration Scale. And each is important to understand. We have summarized them below:

1. No cognitive decline. No complaints of memory deficit yet.
2. Very mild cognitive decline. May include forgetting where one has placed familiar objects or names of people they know well.
3. Mild cognitive decline. Among other deficits, the individual may get lost when driving, experience work performance deficits, have a decreased ability to remember names, and display concentration issues.
4. Moderate cognitive decline. The cognitive deficit can now be clearly identified in a cognitive interview. This may include a decreased knowledge of current events, deficit in memory of personal history, difficulty handling finances, traveling, and so on.
5. Moderately severe cognitive decline. The individual now needs assistance in most areas. They may no longer recall their address, phone number, and names of close family members.
6. Severe cognitive decline. Deficits at this stage may include unawareness of recent events, forgetting the name of a spouse, difficulty counting to ten, difficulty distinguishing faces. May retain some knowledge of past life.
7. Very severe cognitive decline. At this stage, the individual has lost verbal abilities, is incontinent, will need assistance with feeding, will exhibit a lack of bodily coordination, and may no longer be able to walk.

Why is it important for everyone to understand all of the stages?

Understanding all seven stages of Alzheimer’s brings several benefits. First, it sheds light on the fact that many older individuals may already be in the early stages of dementia and yet have not been properly screened. Unfortunately, that is why most diagnoses aren’t made until an individual is already in stage 3, mild cognitive decline.

An early diagnosis brings more options, such as clinical trials and treatments which can delay the progression of dementia. Understanding the mid to later stages helps families better cope with the many cognitive, behavioral, and physical changes. It will help them tackle these challenges with open eyes as they present themselves. Finally, having a good understanding of the progression of the disease through later stages will help them plan for the future as their needs change.  

If you are caring for a loved one and suspect that they may be in an early stage of dementia, encourage them to undergo testing. Medicare will pay for early screening and testing as well as many of the treatments available to slow the progression of dementia. But you must take action early to optimize those benefits.

The more you know, the better you can serve your loved one’s needs … and yours as well.

We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities to learn more about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our experienced, caring team will be happy to sit down with you and answer your questions as well as provide you with additional information and resources.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings many challenges to families. Understanding each stage and being armed with accurate information will help you navigate the road ahead. And remember, we’re here to help!

Our Anthem Memory Care communities are constantly involved in fundraisers or other acts of charity within their greater communities. Giving back is so important and many of our residents have been service oriented all their lives. We like to help them continue their tradition of donating their time and energy to support a good cause.

The act of working together to help those in need brings many benefits to individuals in general, especially to those living with dementia. Some of these include:

1. A sense of purpose. Activities that benefit others can awaken a sense of duty which, in turn, increases feelings of worthiness and self value.
2. Improved connections with those around them. Working together, whether with staff, fellow residents, or others in the broader community helps foster a sense of camaraderie. It also facilitates conversation, which is especially beneficial to those with dementia.
3. A feeling of accomplishment. Getting tasks completed from start to finish brings with it a sense of satisfaction, having accomplished something worthwhile.

The charity events and projects at our communities are revitalizing for our residents. Everyone gets excited and energized to contribute to each good cause we support. And there are many!

Below are just a few of our charity events:

Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas holds a car wash to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Association.

Liberty Place Memory Care in West Chester, Ohio made Easter Baskets for the children of Reach Out Lakota

Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado donated blankets to local animal shelters.

Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado puts special gift packages together for Operation Christmas Child.

If you are a family caregiver for a loved one with dementia, look for local charities with programs you and your loved one can participate in. There are plenty of opportunities to donate and contribute to worthy causes.

Regardless of which charity or how actively you involve your loved one, your charitable acts will not only lift your spirits but give you both something positive to share, along with the feeling of accomplishment donating your time to a worthy cause brings.

If you need more ideas or are interested in how to get involved in local charities, reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We’d be happy to share our experiences and ideas with you and your family.

(Our header image is of Emerald Place Memory Care residents and staff showing off their special dog bandanas of love to gift to their local animal shelter in Glenview, Illinois.)

While many don’t realize it, the experience of grief does not belong solely to those whose loved ones have died. Grief can occur in other life experiences. One of them is caring for a loved one as they pass through the stages of dementia.

Grief expert, professor, and author Kenneth J. Doka remarks, “Grief has been identified as the constant yet hidden companion of dementia.” How true that is.

Often described as “ambiguous grief”, the grief associated with caring for an individual with dementia is unique in that it comes and goes in waves as a loved one’s state of dementia present new emotional challenges and the caregiver witnesses their loved one slipping away from the person they have known and with whom they have shared a life.

For those caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to understand that, as difficult as it is, your grief is normal. You may also be experiencing the companions of grief: anger and guilt. Together, these feelings create an emotional rollercoaster that can be overwhelming.

Education can help caregivers to better tackle these feelings. First let’s start with the Alzheimer’s Association’s 5 stages of grief:

1. Denial. Hoping that the person isn’t really that ill and will get better. Normalizing the changes.
2. Anger. Being frustrated with the loved one, feeling abandoned by family members, resenting the demands of caregiving.
3. Guilt. Having unrealistic expectations, “I should have done …” or “I must do everything for him/her …” Feeling bad every time you laugh or enjoy yourself. Regretting things about your relationship before the diagnosis. Feeling bad that you can’t care for them in your own home. Wishing they would go away or even die.
4. Sadness. Feeling overwhelmed. Crying frequently. Withdrawing from friends and social activities. Withholding your emotions or displaying them more openly than you would normally.
5. Acceptance. Finding new ways to live in the moment. Discovering meaning and purpose. Appreciating the growth from surviving the loss. Regaining your sense of humor.

These stages of grief may occur in any order as the stages of dementia continue to impact your loved one’s memory and behavior and how you relate to them. You will move in and out of each stage over time.

Understanding this ambiguous form of grief is just the beginning of the caregiver journey. There are things that all family caregivers can do to take care of themselves and build a foundation of inner strength to help navigate the road ahead.

The Alzheimer Society in Canada has published some great tips that we’ve summarized below:

• Allow yourself to feel the pain. Attempting to push it aside can result in increasing or more prolonged pain.
• Cry. Let it out. Tears are healthy and the release helps relieve some of the pain inside. Sometimes, when the loved one is not present, it can be helpful to find a place by yourself and shout or scream, releasing your anger in a safe place.
• Share your pain. While this is difficult it does help to diminish some of that pain. It may be easier to share feelings with a therapist, a trusted friend, or someone outside the immediate family. Joining a dementia support group can be helpful, providing a supportive environment with others in similar situations.
• Keep a journal. This provides a private place where feelings can be expressed without needing to hold back. The act of writing down all feelings of anger, guilt, and fear is a release that can help caregivers to gain some control over their situation.
• Consider your own needs. While it may be difficult to turn your loving attention towards yourself, it is important at this time to take care of your own health, both emotional and physical. Don’t neglect check-ups and other health considerations.

You can access more tips and information from the Alzheimer Society here. You can also access videos and other information on our Anthem Memory Care resources page.

It is important for family caregivers to above all be patient with yourself. Treat yourself well. When others offer to help, accept their help. Caregivers are some of the most selfless, dedicated individuals around. We know because we talk with them every day.

The grieving process for caregivers of loved ones with dementia is unlike any other. Every caregiver’s journey is as unique as their own circumstance. In all cases, however, understanding the many valid emotions that ebb and flow during that journey is essential to living each day as it comes and finding moments of peace and understanding along the way.

Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We understand the challenging journey you are on and we are here to help!

We are proud of all our Anthem Memory Care Communities for living each day our mission to “Protect, Engage and Love” our residents.

The latest example of this is Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Like all of our Anthem communities, the residents, staff and families are active within the greater community, joining with youth groups, local charities, and other organizations to help drive purposeful events and outreach programs. Not only do they help the community, they also give residents a sense of purpose and belonging.

Our executive team recently visited Grace Point Place to celebrate their 100% occupancy achievement. We are so proud of everyone who contributes to the excellent reputation enjoyed by Grace Point Place and their ongoing commitment to residents and families.

So, how does a community keep their suites full of well cared for residents and keep the brightest caregiving talent looking after them? Here are just some of the reasons we believe our Anthem Memory Care communities consistently strive to rise to excellence:

1. We work with Pathways of Purpose. This is a philosophy embraced by our entire team that revolves around creating an environment of meaningful engagement between residents, families and staff. A daily connection to meaning and purpose brings a higher quality of life.
2. Our managers are Certified Dementia Practitioners. All our staff receive Alzheimer’s certification through the Alzheimer’s Association as a part of their onboarding experience.
3. We recognize excellence within our teams. We are committed to developing our employees from within, as evidenced by our recent promotions of employees to Executive Director, Clinical Services Director, VP of Clinical Services, two Regional Directors of Operations, a VP of Programming, and a Senior Life Engagement Director.
4. We support all families of loved ones with dementia. When a resident moves into an Anthem Community, we not only have the privilege to care for the resident but also the family. We do this by providing free dementia support groups as well as respite care programs for potential residents to try out our communities while their family caregivers have time to recharge and care for their own health.
5. Promoting a positive culture is at the heart of what we do. We lead with culture by acknowledging the importance of building a culture of support, inclusion, and growth. This includes not only our residents but every member of our staff.
6. We partner with industry recognized experts. This includes engaging renowned dementia expert and author, Dr. Tam Cummings, to conduct seminars and provide opportunities for everyone to learn about dementia.

Finally, we believe that any organization should be much more than a logo and tag line. You may have noticed the flame in our Anthem logo. It has meaning to everyone who lives and works within our doors. The Anthem flame represents the Holy Spirit, individual spirit, and community spirit, each of which anchors our personal and professional values. The name “Anthem” represents a song of praise and loyalty to the people who live and work in our communities. The Anthem lamp lights the pathway forward to connect residents to their families and the world around them.

We invite you to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and witness for yourself the many spontaneous moments of joy that flow organically through the genuine relationships formed between residents and with our wonderful staff. 

Congratulations to everyone who had a part in helping Grace Point Place Memory Care attain 100% occupancy. And to all our other Anthem communities who are also thriving!

The nagging concern often starts when a parent or other loved one starts forgetting the simple things such as where the coffee is kept or how to navigate a familiar route to the grocery store. Or perhaps they begin asking the same questions over and over again. At some point it becomes harder to ignore. Could it be Alzheimer’s? What to do next? It’s a scary thought. So, all too often the nagging doubt continues to be pushed aside.

While hesitating to act is certainly understandable, it is also the reason why so many individuals are not diagnosed until they are well into the disease. And early detection could bring them several advantages. Medications are more effective in the early stages of dementia. There are more opportunities to participate in clinical trials. And there could be more time to organize financial and legal plans.

If you have a family member whom you suspect may be developing dementia, here are some important steps to take to turn your concerns into positive actions.

First, know the ten signs of dementia, summarized below (read full descriptions from the Alzheimer’s Association here):

1. Memory changes that affect day-to-day activities, such as struggling to retain new information.
2. Difficulty doing familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal.
3. Changes in communication, such as forgetting words or the names of common objects.
4. Disorientation in time and place, such as forgetting the day of the week or the route home.
5. Impaired judgement, such as not recognizing a health or safety risk.
6. Problems with abstract thinking, such as not understanding what numbers or symbols mean.
7. Misplacing things, such as putting something in a drawer that should be in the refrigerator.
8. Changes in mood, personality, or behavior, such as becoming agitated or suspicious for no apparent reason.
9. Loss of initiative, such as losing interest in favorite activities or friends.
10. Challenges with visual or spatial information, such as navigating around a familiar area.

Take notes of behavior from your loved one that lies outside their “norm”. Include as many details as possible. Dr. Tam Cummings, gerontologist and dementia expert has tools to help you evaluate your loved one’s behavior. The ones to focus on are:

• • Dementia Behavioral Assessment Tool
  • Briston ADL Test
  • IQ on cognitive decline
  • Brief psychiatric rating scale

You can access these tools here.

Discuss your concerns with your loved one. This can be challenging, so find a time when you are both relaxed, and you have time. Don’t rush this conversation. Refrain from using authoritative phrases such as “I think you need to” or “You’re forgetting things”. There is no need to mention Alzheimer’s or dementia at this point. Instead use phrases such as “I thought I noticed that you were having a hard time remembering…”. Then, cap off each statement with “What do you think?” And stop to listen. You may find that he or she is relieved to be able to talk about their memory lapses.

Share your concerns with family members. Getting their support early on is important for the journey you may be facing ahead.

Arrange for testing through your loved one’s physician. If you have taken notes based on use of diagnostic tools, such as those provided by Dr. Tam Cummings, be sure to send your notes to the doctor in advance of the appointment. The doctor will conduct some preliminary tests and can arrange for a more extensive exam. Medicare will cover these costs.

Familiarize yourself with the latest research and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Do this for your own benefit as well as for any conversations you have with your loved one and other family members. The more informed you are, the more help you will be to yourself and others. Our Anthem Memory Care resource page contains information, webinars, and links to a variety of additional resources.

Begin with knowledge and facts on your side.

If your loved one does receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, taking the steps on this list will help arm you for your discussions with your loved one, your family, and physicians. And taking action will give you a greater sense of resolve and control, both of which will be helpful for the days ahead.    

Of course, nothing can truly prepare us for something as daunting as an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. But if and when one is given to your loved one, being prepared will make a big difference.

We invite you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with questions and concerns. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you find additional resources.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and starts showing signs like unusual behavior and memory loss, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time for families. Why can't Dad remember how to get to his doctor's office? Why is Mom acting so strangely in public? These changes can be hard to understand and navigate.

The reflexive action is to say, “You don’t remember where the doctor you’ve been seeing for 25 years is located?” Or, “Mom what are you doing?!”

Part of that reaction comes from the fact that humans are natural teachers. Dr. Tam Cummings, gerontologist and dementia expert notes that this innate desire to teach is why we will, almost without thinking, correct someone or fill in a name that someone has forgotten.

That is also why a family member becomes frustrated when correcting a loved one who continues to insist they have not said or done anything that needs correction. It is not that they are deciding to be stubborn. Nor are they joking around. It is a manifestation of the changes occurring in their brain as a result of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

There is a name for what that person is experiencing. It’s called anosognosia.

What do caregivers need to know about anosognosia?

Because Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that gradually kills brain cells, access is cut off to the areas of the brain (think of millions of rolodex files) that enable an individual to recall names, places, experiences and faces. It also cuts off areas of the brain that govern behavior.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts estimate that anosognosia affects more than 80% of people with Alzheimer's disease.

What are the symptoms of anosognosia?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, an individual with anosognosia can’t do one or more of the following:

• Recognize that they have an illness or medical problem.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition that they experience.
• Connect their signs and symptoms to that condition.
• Understand and agree that the condition is serious and needs treatment.

In some cases, the individual may avoid the truth of their condition by rationalizing what’s happening to them or attempting to cover up symptoms. Some may confabulate, which means that their mind fills in the gaps with false memories. This can be done either consciously or without realizing it.

If you are a family caregiver, understanding the dynamics behind anosognosia will help make it easier to understand why mom may still think her deceased husband is still alive. Or why dad may take food off someone else’s plate, something he wouldn’t dream of doing before.

How can you improve communications with a loved one with dementia?

The first step to engaging successfully with a loved one with dementia is to lean into their reality. This is also the most challenging step, and one you can’t expect to take overnight. However, understanding that it is a brain disease and not your loved one’s fault can make taking that step a bit easier.

Here are five tips that will lead to better communication and engagement:

1. Resist the urge to quiz. This becomes easier when you understand the dynamics of anosognosia. You know that saying, “Don’t you remember?” will be fruitless and only cause stress to both of you.
2. Be supportive and agreeable. When dad talks about having dinner “yesterday” with a friend who has been deceased for years, resist the urge to correct him. Saying “Oh yes that must have been fun,” may feel awkward, but will support his reality and avoid unnecessary stress for both of you.
3. Re-introduce yourself. The individual’s short term memory loss may impact their facial recognition. Even if you were speaking with mom ten minutes ago, a more effective way to re-enter conversation might be, “Hi, mom! Your loving daughter is back!” or “Hi, your daughter Emily is back to ask if you need anything.”
4. Seek moments of common joy. The more positive engagement that occurs between you, the more likely there will be moments of meaningful connection. Enjoying a great meal together, watching an old movie, or going through old photographs. All can spark long-term memories or, at the very least, bring some laughter and conversation.
5. Reach out for help and support. Caregiving is not something to undertake without a support system. Reaching out to family members and trusted friends is important. When they offer to help, accept their help. Consider getting involved in a dementia support group. Take advantage of respite care so that you can take care of your own business.

Ongoing education is so important for family caregivers of individuals with dementia. We urge you to tune into Dr. Tam’s webinars on topics of dementia. The information you gain and tips you learn will help you navigate the road ahead.  Be sure to share your resources with family and friends so that they, too, can understand anosognosia and learn how to adjust their own communication skills and attitude.

Anosognosia is a difficult reality to accept for families. It involves weaving oneself into the new and very different reality of the loved one with dementia.

Our Anthem Memory Care communities encourage you to reach out to us for more information and to answer questions you may have. We know that the road ahead will be challenging. And we’re here to help!

Most people engage in routine behavior. It may be a morning routine such as getting up, letting the dogs out, and sitting down for your morning cup of coffee. For others it may be an after-dinner walk or a weekly call to a friend or family member.  

We gravitate to routines because they have a calming effect, bringing a sense of order to what might otherwise be a hectic, stressful day.

For individuals living with dementia routines carry even more importance. In a world where life has become overwhelming and confusing, having a routine creates a familiar pattern of behavior that can be relied upon.

If you are a family caregiver for a loved one with dementia, you can help reduce stress by incorporating some healthy routines into their lives.

Here are five key benefits of routines for individuals living with dementia:

1. Reduces stress because the individual is prepared and ready.
2. Helps retain a sense of control over their daily life.
3. Gives them something to look forward to each day.
4. Becomes a bastion of comfort during difficult days.
5. Helps neutralize aggression, restlessness and agitation.

Establishing routines can also be beneficial for caregivers. By creating an environment that includes routines, you have assurance that, even on a stressful day, there is time set aside to take a breather and re-charge your own energy levels. 

What are some good routines families can follow to optimize quality of life for their loved one?

• Play some of their favorite music every morning while they get ready for the day.
• Carve out an hour each afternoon to read or do a craft.
• Create an evening routine of a healthy snack and a look through old photographs.
• Start a weekly routine. It might include playing cards, dusting and cleaning, watering the plants in the yard, lunch at a local coffee shop, or an outing in the park.

Make sure that the activities you choose are well within the ability level of your loved one. You may find the need to adjust them as their condition progresses.

The most important thing about establishing routines for your loved one with dementia is maintaining them. It may not always be easy in that situations are bound to come up that disrupt your daily pattern. However, with effort and patience you will find that these routines are a loving way to establish a sense of order in both your lives. And both of you will benefit.

For more caregiver tips and information about dementia, please visit our Anthem Memory Care Resource Page.  

How is your summer going? It’s one of our favorite times of the year at our Anthem Memory Care communities. Not only does the weather permit more healthy outdoor activities, it is also a time for relaxing with residents, families, and friends. 

Our residents love to reminisce about their own family summer traditions and vacations. And we love hearing their stories. Summer is also a time to make more memories, and we so enjoy sharing each new experience with them.

Below are just a few of the many activities our Anthem communities have been enjoying this summer:  

Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota enjoy their “Summer of Service” program with local middle school students. Intergenerational activities bring benefits to both young and old.

Golf-loving residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado hit the driving range to practice their swings. Many residents have been golfers all their lives and love showing off their skills.

Rawdah Homeschool students join residents of Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois for an afternoon of pinwheel making and great conversation.

Porter Place Memory Care residents had a blast at their annual car wash to raise funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Great fun for a great cause!

Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California hosted local school kids for a day of outdoor activities, topped off with a delicious picnic.

There’s nothing like an ice cream run to wrap up a hot summer day for residents of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois.

The longer days and slower pace of summer brings many benefits to Individuals living with dementia. They can spend more time outdoors relaxing and enjoying intergenerational activities with family and friends.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, make an effort to include them whenever possible in your summer festivities. They’ll feel more engaged with those who are most important to them. And you may find that by fostering these connections, you are bringing benefits to other family members as well, enriching the experience for everyone.

If you’d like to learn more about an Anthem Memory Care community, please visit our website.

(Summer means baseball and our residents love getting out to a ball game. Our header image shows residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care cheering on their local Littleton, Colorado Little League players.)

For most families summer means enjoying longer days, vacations, outings, and meeting up with family and friends. It is the time of year when more time is spent outdoors taking in the sunshine and fresh air while engaging in a variety of activities.

Everyone welcomes the warmer, more laid-back days of summer, and that includes individuals living with dementia. Not only is being outdoors more enjoyable, it brings very real health benefits. Dementia Adventure notes several, including these:

Physical benefits:

• Overall better fitness
• Healthier skin
• Improved sleep patterns
• Better appetite
• Better digestion

Emotional benefits:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Lifted mood
• Less apathy
• Reduced anger and agitation
• Reduced depression

Social wellbeing:

• Improved memory and attention span
• Better verbal expression
• Increased sense of self-esteem and belonging
• Improved appetite

These are great benefits. However, families may be concerned that, while engaging in family outdoor outings, mom or dad may have a fall, get sunstroke, or wander off from a picnic in the park. Because of this, the decision is often made to exclude them from summer get togethers.

While this is certainly understandable, doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and preparation, as well as support from family members and friends, your loved one can not only participate, but enjoy these summer activities.

Here are some tips to help make it easier to include mom or dad in more of your summer activities.

Enhance personal comfort:

• Have them dress lightly. Encourage clothing that is comfortable and lightweight.
• Avoid over exposure to the sun. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Make sure they are wearing sunglasses or a hat/visor to keep sun off the face and out of the eyes.
• Keep them hydrated. Not only should you always have a water bottle with them, also make sure they are drinking regularly to avoid dehydration.

Make adjustments to activities to maximize safety and minimize anxiety:

• Summer concerts and fairs are fun but are typically crowded and noisy. This can be disorienting to an individual with dementia, especially in large events. Try to avoid them if possible. Consider noise cancelling headphones if there is no other option.
• Family get-togethers are a summer staple. However, with children playing and lots of shouting, they can be noisy and disruptive for your loved one. Scope out your surroundings for a quiet resting place where they can sit that is out of the center of activity. That way, family members and friends can sit and visit with them in a way that is more relaxing.
• Taking walks helps maintain muscle strength and coordination. However, in warm weather, your loved one can quickly become overheated. Make sure your walks are scheduled for early in the day to avoid unnecessary exposure to heat. Have a water bottle with you and make sure your loved one wears sunscreen, as well as a hat or cap.
• Swimming is a great way to cool off for those who are physically able. Never, however, let them go in a pool without supervision. Someone should always be in the water with them to watch for any signs of anxiety and help them quickly exit the pool if necessary.

Even with the above precautions in place, there may be instances in which the best option for your loved one with dementia is to not participate. In these cases, you may want to consider in-home care or respite care in a local assisted living or memory care community. Our Anthem Memory Care communities offer respite care.

Summer is a special time of year and a great time to enjoy more outdoor activities. Plan ahead, however, and always make sure you are acting with your loved one’s best interests in mind. Taking precautions for their health and safety will make every activity more enjoyable for them, your family, and you.

For many families embarking on their summer vacations, including their loved one with dementia may not be feasible. The vacation may involve a hectic schedule or a location that is not conducive to caring properly for them. In these cases, a wiser move may be to arrange for your loved one to remain at home.

For some, this will be a welcome decision as they may prefer to avoid the stress of travel. Others, however, may feel left out. That is why discussing your upcoming trip with your loved one should be done in advance and in a way that is sensitive to their needs as well as their emotional wellbeing. Explain to them the nature of the trip and why you feel they will be more relaxed and happier staying at home. Consider setting a date for a visit when you return. That will give them something to look forward to.

Here are some tips to make your time away easier and more secure for your loved one:

1. Arrange for care. Depending on the stage of dementia your loved one is in, there are a few options. For those in early stages of dementia, in-home care may be an option. This involves having a licensed caregiver staying in your loved one’s home or apartment and help with meals, bathing and other activities of daily living. Another option is “respite” care. This is an arrangement in which your loved one is provided a room, meals, and access to amenities and activities within an assisted living or memory care community. It gives vacationers extra peace of mind that mom or dad is being cared for by licensed professionals in a setting where they can socialize with others. Our Anthem Memory Care communities offer respite care, as do other senior care providers.
2. Reach out to neighbors and friends: If your loved one will be remaining at home, make the effort to connect with their neighbors and trusted friends. Ask them to check in on your loved one, preferably once a day. If you have arranged for in-home help as well, make sure the caregiver knows who these potential visitors are.
3. Have a final visit check-up. Does mom have enough food on hand? Does she have her medications organized? Does she have clean clothes? Are safety precautions in place? Create a check list. Be sure to write out your phone number, that of close friends and/or neighbors and any other phone numbers where you are staying. Put this list where it is easily found, such as on the refrigerator door or wall for easy access. If you plan on keeping in touch through Facetime or other video app, make sure your loved one’s phone has the app downloaded and ready to receive those calls.
4. Take key information with you. It is always a good idea to have a list of phone numbers, doctors, medications taken, and any other information in the event your loved one misplaces it or the caregiver needs additional resources. The more information you have at your fingertips, the better prepared you will feel to help the local caregiver deal with any issues that may arise.
5. Use technology to stay connected: Are you traveling to a location where you can make a daily call? If so, that call will be well worth your effort. Your loved one will hear your voice, know that you are okay, and feel more included. Be mindful of time zones and try to schedule the call at the same time each day if possible. Alert your loved one’s caregiver of the daily call to make sure they are ready to chat. Also make use of other technologies if possible. There are special devices for phones and TVs that effectively turn them into interactive communications devices. And many of them have easy-to-use interfaces for older adults.

Vacations should be a time for fun and relaxation, especially for family caregivers who need time away to unwind and recharge. Following these tips will help ensure that your loved one is safe and secure in your absence. That extra peace of mind will go a long way towards making your vacation enjoyable, knowing you will return to a loved one who has been well cared for.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or “PTSD” as most of us know it, is a condition occurring when an individual experiences a severe reaction after experiencing extreme trauma. PTSD can last months or even years, often triggered by a situation that brings back the memory.

While PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced a high level of trauma, it is often found in men and women who have served in the armed forces. In the past it was often referred to as “shell shock” and, unfortunately, regarded as more of a weakness than a disorder. In the 1980’s however, PTSD was finally taken out of the shadows and recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as meriting the same level of research and attention as other disorders. Today, PTSD impacts over 13 million Americans.  

Veterans with PTSD have almost double the risk of developing dementia.

Increased research into PTSD over recent years has uncovered other significant findings. One is a link between PTSD and the development of dementia.

According to the National Center for PTSD, 7% of veterans have PTSD. The Alzheimer’s Association cites studies conducted with these veterans, which found that their risk of developing dementia is almost double those without PTSD.

These studies note that, while there is no single contributing factor, the added stress hormones being released due to PTSD episodes may play a role in reduced cognition. This can lead to depression and isolation which can make an individual more vulnerable to developing dementia, in particular frontotemporal dementia.

For many veterans, traumatic brain injury (TBI) also brings increased risk.

Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain and is often developed due to blunt force trauma to the head. This is referred to diagnostically as traumatic brain injury or TBI, and it is something more likely to occur in combat.

While TBI can range from mild to severe, the experience can increase a veteran’s likelihood of developing frontotemporal dementia as well as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If that TBI is severe, the risk is increased.

How should veterans and their families address these challenges?

Along with greater awareness of the links between PTSD, TBI and dementia come better resources for families of veterans who are experiencing symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Association has some tips which we’ve summarized below:

For veterans:

Get checked for both PTSD and dementia as soon as possible. Early diagnosis brings many benefits including:

• More availability of treatment options
• Opportunity to participate in clinical trials
• Time to make financial, legal, and health plans

For families:

First, know the warning signs of dementia. For veterans who have experienced PTSD, there may be several behavioral changes as well, which may include:

• Experiencing heightened anxiety
• Showing increased signs of depression
• Having delusions and suspicions
• Showing increased anger and aggressive behavior

It is important to note that not all veterans with PTSD who are developing dementia will exhibit these behaviors. However, anything outside their normal behavior patterns should be noted and addressed.

The Alzheimer’s Association has more resources with coping strategies and recommendations which families can access here.

Many of the residents at our Anthem Memory Care communities are veterans and we understand their special challenges and needs. Feel free to reach out to us with your questions and concerns. We will be happy to provide you with information and resources to help you and your family.