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At Savoy Place Memory Care in Savoy, Illinois, volunteers like local artist Lori Fuller are making a meaningful impact. Each week, Lori shares her artwork and music through interactive “show and tell” sessions that foster connection, spark memories, and inspire joy among residents.

“There’s just that whole sense of wonder that comes with looking at art,” Lori told local news station WCIA, which recently featured one of her sessions. “I just really love it.”

You can learn more about Lori’s inspiring journey and the impact of this unique art program in the WCIA video.

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents profound day-to-day challenges. It’s a life-changing journey, not just for the person diagnosed, but for the caregiver as well. While there are many resources available to provide support, nothing can fully prepare the caregiver for the emotional, physical, and mental demands that lie ahead.

Family caregivers often describe feeling helpless as they navigate days filled with confusion and unpredictability. The early stages can be particularly difficult, as routines are still being established and family caregivers frequently feel unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. This is where journaling can help.

Journaling provides both practical and emotional support for family caregivers.

On a practical level, journaling helps bring structure to each day. By recording a loved one’s daily challenges along with observations and solutions, caregivers can gain valuable insights that foster a greater sense of control and preparedness.

First, the practical support: Here are three areas of focus for journaling your loved one’s daily life:

  1. Cognition and memory. This may include keeping track of their ability to perform the activities of daily living. Be sure to note situations in which their memory is most impacted, changes in their ability to read and write, and increasing challenges with speech and conversation. Doing so can help you adjust your own approach to keep in sync with their abilities.
  2. Emotional and mental health. This may include any unusual behaviors you notice emerging. You can note situations that trigger increased anxiety as well as those with a calming restorative effect. This will help you tailor the environment to better serve your loved one’s emotional needs.
  3. Physical health. This may include appetite and dietary changes, noticeable weight loss, changes to sleeping patterns, overall appearance changes, increasing muscle weakness and how it impacts their mobility and balance. You should record any falls they have and, if possible, note the cause.

The notes you take can be shared with your loved one’s doctors and therapists to optimize your ongoing care.

But the true power of journaling for caregivers lies in the emotional release it offers.

Journaling provides a healthy way to process tough days, reflect on small victories, and celebrate moments of joy, offering comfort and clarity in a deeply personal, meaningful way.

Studies have found that writing for as little as 15 minutes a few times a week can significantly enhance emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of depression. Putting thoughts and feelings into words can offer relief, helping caregivers process the emotional weight of their experience and feel less alone in their journey.

Here are five powerful ways journaling can help you deal with stress and find moments of joy:

  1. Creates a safe place.Journaling provides a safe, private space to explore and express difficult emotions, helping you process the emotional weight of your personal experiences.
  2. Helps reduce stress levels. Writing down thoughts and feelings can interrupt cycles of overthinking and worry, leading to reduced stress and anxiety.
  3. Fosters greater self-awareness. Reflecting on daily experiences fosters greater self-awareness, helping you to identify emotional triggers and behavioral patterns that affect your own well-being.
  4. Provides perspective. Journaling provides a way of distancing yourself from the tangle of emotions you are feeling. It offers clarity, helping you step back from daily struggles and approach problems with a more objective, solution-oriented mindset. Journaling provides a healthy emotional distance from distressing events, allowing you to gain insight without becoming overwhelmed.
  5. Helps find joy in each day. Documenting small wins and moments of success, both personal and caregiving-related, can build a stronger sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Make it a point to revisit these posts frequently. It will remind you of the joyful moments experienced between you and your loved one. And it will help buffer those difficult days.

Journaling is a lifeline for so many family caregivers. Why not start your journal today?

In the midst of the uncertainty and emotional weight that comes with caregiving, journaling offers both clarity and comfort. It’s a small, highly accessible activity that can make a meaningful difference by helping you stay grounded, better support your loved one, and take care of your own well-being in the process.

While the road ahead may be challenging, no caregiver should have to walk it alone. A pen and a notebook (or laptop) is the first step toward feeling more supported, understood, and empowered. Other steps include reaching out to close family members and friends. Consider joining a dementia support group. These groups are led by licensed professional therapists and bring family caregivers together to share experiences and lend each other support.

Finally, feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We are always ready to lend an ear, answer your questions and to help you find the resources you need on your caregiving journey.

Residents of Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado kicked off summer with a fun bike ride thanks to a group of dedicated volunteer cyclists. They had a blast enjoying a scenic rickshaw ride through Hudson Gardens, courtesy of Cycling Without Age.

The program’s mission is to help older adults reconnect with the joy of cycling, promote mobility, and create meaningful moments in the great outdoors. And it works!

The event was covered by Argentum and you can read the full article here.

Summer is here, bringing with it countless opportunities to soak up the sunshine and enjoy favorite seasonal activities. From picnics in the park and leisurely strolls to cookouts and pool parties, every family has their own special summer traditions.

For families with a loved one who has dementia, however, these moments may bring mixed emotions. A parent, spouse or other family member who once eagerly participated in these gatherings may now find it difficult to engage as they once did. So, while the desire to participate may still be there, the pace, noise, and unpredictability of summer events can quickly become overwhelming, triggering confusion, fear, and anxiety.

Does that mean you need to leave them out of your summer activities? Absolutely not! While the level of support needed will vary depending on the stage of their dementia, with a little planning and sensitivity to their needs, your loved one can safely share in the joys of summer in ways that are tailored to meet their unique needs.

Here are some tips to help you pave the way towards a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer for your loved one:

  1. Be aware of summer safety hazards. Check their mobility aids (cane, walker) to make sure they are in good working order. Areas with uneven ground can cause tripping or slipping. Walking on sand can be challenging as well as grassy, muddy areas and old sidewalks with cracks and potholes. Make sure they are wearing sturdy closed-toe shoes. Consider having them wear a watch or pendant with a GPS tracker in case they wander off. Make sure they have a card in their pocket that explains their condition with your name, phone number, and address.
  2. Pay attention to their overall health. Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep. Being well-rested will help them remain calmer and be more adaptable. Make it easy for them to stay hydrated by having a water bottle handy. Make sure they wear loose comfortable clothing when out and about. Keep their faces free from direct sunlight with a hat or sun umbrella. Be sure to bring along their medications and be mindful if they begin to show signs of fatigue or discomfort.
  3. Respect their routines and comfort levels. When is your loved one at their best? When are they most open to engaging in an activity? Keep in mind that parks and outdoor entertainment spaces can get busy in the afternoon and on weekends. Scope out the surroundings and find a cool, quiet area to move your loved one if the noise levels or activities become overwhelming. This is especially true if a large gathering is planned, such as an outdoor barbecue.
  4. Prepare family members in advance. They may not have seen your loved one for a while. Help them understand how to communicate in a positive way with your loved one’s limitations in mind, while respecting their dignity.
  5. Phone ahead when possible. Before you plan an outing to a museum, theater, or other public venue, do a little research to ensure that the environment will align with their needs and preferences. Contact the venue in advance if possible. Many are now dementia friendly and will work with you to schedule the best time for a visit. Restaurants alerted in advance can seat you near a bathroom or in a quieter area to avoid the din of ambient noise.

Here are some summer activities to consider that offer natural opportunities to connect, engage, and enjoy time together:

Summer is a wonderful time of year to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Individuals with dementia who are able and willing to participate can gain the benefits of these connections along with the sense of empowerment that comes from being able to join in on summer activities they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives.

Looking for more ideas and tips? Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Our life enrichment team will be happy to share some of our favorite summer outing ideas with you.  

Scott Hudson and his 23-year-old daughter, Lindsay Hudson, have been dedicated volunteers with The Rosary Team for over two years, leading the rosary for residents at Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado. What started as a personal calling to serve has grown into a deeply meaningful ministry. And it’s one that enriches the lives of the residents they visit while strengthening their own faith and bond as father and daughter.

The Denver Catholic News has written a wonderful article about Scott and Lindsay and their work at Greenridge Place. You can read more about them and their spiritual journey here.

Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee found a heartfelt way to celebrate Father’s Day by creating new memories. Each of the dads were photographed holding meaningful personal items, each chosen to reflect the essence of fatherhood.

From a well-worn watch to a compass, a cherished Bible, or a favorite hat, each object told a story of strength, guidance, faith, and love.

The photo session was covered in the Knoxville Patch. You can read the full story here.

Families with loved ones who have been diagnosed with dementia naturally seek ways to keep them in their homes for as long as possible. They feel that the familiar surroundings are more comforting to their loved one. After all, a house full of memories helps preserve that special connection to the past. And, given the uncertainty of the journey ahead, knowing their loved one is safe and sound in their own home is understandable.

But are they truly safe and sound?

As dementia progresses, it can significantly affect both cognitive function and mobility. While keeping a loved one at home may feel comforting, it may come at the cost of their safety and well-being. Everyday items that once seemed harmless—like a bathroom rug, stone patio steps, the kitchen stove that cooked so many family meals, or a cherished collection of glass ornaments—can quickly become serious hazards. Recognizing these risks is an important first step in ensuring a familiar, yet safe, environment.

The AFA (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America) and the National Institute on Aging have put together insights and tips on making a home safer and more dementia friendly. We’ve re-grouped some of their key tips into four areas and summarized them as follows:

Physical safety

Cognition aids

Personal comfort

Emotional support

Following these tips will help make your loved one’s home safer and more dementia friendly, easing their daily routines and giving your family greater peace of mind, especially when you can’t be there. It is also important to recognize that there may come a time when their cognitive and physical decline progresses beyond what can be managed at home, even with your best efforts. When that time comes, seeking professional memory care becomes not just necessary, but essential for their safety and well-being.

We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for additional tips and resources to help you improve the quality of life for your loved one and your family as you take this journey together.  We are always ready to help!

Bob Harlan, 85-year-old resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care, recently shared his lifelong passion for fishing with his great-granddaughters during a special fishing trip with fellow residents.

A devoted fisherman, Bob fondly recalls annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with family and friends. He passed down his love of the sport to his two daughters and son, and now looks forward to doing the same with the next generation.

“Fishing is one of those beautiful moments of bonding and legacy between parent and child,” said Molly Lutz, Life Engagement Director at Chelsea Place. “A father teaching his family to fish imparts wisdom, love, and a connection to nature—creating memories that last a lifetime.”

The fishing expedition was covered by Argentum. You can read the full story here.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, everything shifts. Roles that once felt natural—whether as a son, daughter, partner, or friend—begin to change. The person who once guided you, cared for you, and offered their wisdom may now look to you for support, safety, and direction.

Maybe it’s your mom, who always had the answers. Your dad, who fixed everything. Your partner, who shared every decision with you. These are the people who built their lives with strength, independence, and purpose. And now, that independence is quietly slipping away.

This transition—what many call a caregiver role reversal—isn’t something anyone prepares for. It’s emotional. It’s complex. And above all, it’s deeply human.

So how do you come to terms with this new reality? How do you support your loved one while honoring the relationship you’ve always shared?

Here are 7 gentle, practical tips to help make this chapter more manageable—for both of you:

  1. Educate yourself. This is key to understanding the disease and how it impacts your loved one. You will learn that dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, is not a behavior disorder. It is a brain disease. It impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain in ways that inhibit their ability to receive and transmit information. The better armed you are with accurate information the easier it will be to understand your loved one’s limitations and treat them with the dignity they deserve.
  2. Give yourself grace. Feeling grief, anger, and fear are a normal part of role reversal. Nobody expects you to suddenly snap into your new role easily. So don’t expect that of yourself. Many caregivers find it helpful to develop a process of positive “self-talk” to keep them grounded and more in control of their emerging role. Don’t hold yourself to an unrealistic set of expectations. Perfection is not your goal.
  3. Focus on what remains, not just what’s lost. Even as certain abilities fade, your loved one still carries memories, emotions, and a sense of identity. Find ways to connect through music, photos, and shared rituals that spark joy and familiarity.
  4. Treat your loved one as an adult. As roles reverse many caregivers find themselves falling into a “parent/child” relationship pattern, “talking down” to their loved one. An example might be scolding or praising them as an adult would a child. Dementia changes how people express themselves—but love and understanding can still be felt. Speak gently. Use eye contact, touch, and reassurance to foster trust.
  5. Work together as a team. Understand that your loved one doesn’t want their new role any more than you want yours. Having to rely on you for help is as uncomfortable for them as it is for you. Reminding them that you are “on the same team”, especially when things get difficult, will help you find common ground. As team members, you are better able to support each other.
  6. Look for opportunities to laugh together. Family caregivers often tell us that laughter really is the best medicine. And they often find it in the least expected situations, including when things go wrong. Look for ways to share a laugh with your loved one. Laughter is known to be a stress reliever. Yes, your sense of humor may seem far away at this point. You’ll have to work at regaining it. But, as any caregiver will tell you, in time, laughter will become one of your most valuable tools.
  7. Reach out for help and support. When we say “you are not in this alone” we mean it. This is not a journey to be taken alone. Accept the help of family members and friends. Locate a therapist, ideally one who has experience in dementia. Join a support group and attend educational programs.  Consider a short term, respite stay at a local memory care community. That will give you both a break and time to re-charge.

Role reversal in caregiving is never easy—but you are not alone. Every day, you are showing up with courage and compassion. And in that, there is profound strength.

If you’re navigating this transition and need support, education, or just someone to talk to, we’re here to walk beside you—every step of the way.

We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and ask about our dementia support groups. They are led by professionals and enable family caregivers, like yourself, to come together and share experiences.

Vineyard Place Memory Care residents in Murrieta, California were recently treated to a special Disney tribute with songs performed by local Cole Canyon Coyote Choral. The group, led by Janet Maronde and Cynthia Calvillo-Murray, performed some of the most popular Disney songs, and the residents loved it. “The students sang beautifully and our residents were delighted to hear tunes that brought back happy memories,” Christopher Balmes, life engagement director at Vineyard Place told the Valley News reporter covering the story. “It was a joyful event that lifted spirits and brought our community together.”

You can read the full Valley News article here.

(photo is courtesy of Valley News)

Although it is an emotionally difficult decision, most families of loved ones with dementia understand that the time will come when they are no longer able to provide the level and quality of care at home that their loved one needs and deserves. Preparing them for a transition to a new environment, however, won’t be easy. And the move itself brings its own set of challenges, both logistically and emotionally, as it means removing a loved one from a home filled with memories. Yet it is a necessary step to be taken to provide the level of support required to keep their loved one living his or her best life as the disease progresses.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities we speak regularly with family members who are ready to begin making the transition, but don’t know where to start in terms of preparation and the actual move itself.

If that sounds like you, we can help. Here are ten tips to help you get oriented and prepared, both logistically and emotionally for the transition. We’ve collected them from the National Institute on Aging as well as from our own experience:

  1. Know if it is appropriate to have “the talk”. Every individual with dementia is unique in how they react to changes in their lives. They are also impacted by the level of cognitive decline. Therefore, having a talk with your loved one about the need to transition to a care environment may or may not be prudent. Discussing it with their physician or a geriatric professional first will help you make the right decision.
  2. Be patient with your loved one. Listen to their concerns if they express hesitation towards the transition. Gently reinforce the reasons the decision was made and the benefits the new environment will bring.
  3. Be patient with yourself. Understand that this is a stressful time. Don’t create unrealistic expectations for yourself or your loved one.
  4. Reach out for support. Consult a therapist, gerontologist or dementia specialist and share your feelings about the transition. They will help you devise a strategy to better be able to cope and to help your loved one adjust. Enlist the support of family members and trusted friends. They can be of great help to you in many ways as you begin the transition journey.
  5. Assemble all legal documents. You may want to consult with an elder care attorney in advance to make sure all legal aspects of your loved one’s care are covered. This will include Power of Attorney as well as other legal documents.
  6. Conduct thorough research. As you research memory care communities, make a list of the things that are most important to your loved one and to your family. Be sure to pay attention to reviews. Are they current? Does the memory care provider respond? Visit our Memory Care FAQ page which covers all facets of memory care.  
  7. Review finances. Make sure you are aware of all the costs involved in day-to-day care, from move-in costs to amenities, to specialized care needs. The memory care provider should be totally transparent on this and be open to sharing costs, including the fine print, with you.
  8. Meet with the staff in advance. It is important to become familiar with the staff before the move in. Talk with them about ways to make the transition go more smoothly.
  9. Consider a short stay for your loved one in advance of move-in. Respite care is a service provided by many memory care communities. It enables your loved one to have a short stay (usually about a week) and get a feel for the environment. It provides families with a good opportunity to observe the care environment firsthand before the final move-in.
  10. Be your loved one’s advocate. No one understands your loved one’s needs as well as you do. Voice their preferences and needs. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right as the transition occurs. Your memory care staff should be receptive and responsive to your needs.

Transitioning into memory care is a loving and necessary step in the process of optimizing the quality of life for your loved one. It places them in a secure environment thoughtfully designed to meet their unique needs — especially as they transition into the middle stages of dementia.

Our Anthem Memory Care communities understand the unique needs of each of our residents. That is why our nurses, therapists, life enrichment teams, and caregivers are focused every day on helping residents live a purposeful life through engaging activities and meaningful connections with others.

If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to reach out to any of our communities. We’re here to offer guidance, information, and support as you and your family navigate the journey ahead.

Traci Colvin, Executive Director at Highline Place Memory Care, has been honored with the Community Leadership Award at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

This prestigious Hero Award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in creating engaged, supportive environments for both residents and staff. Traci Colvin exemplifies this every day. Her unwavering commitment to resident well-being—especially her transformative care for individuals with complex behavioral needs—paired with her hands-on mentorship and compassionate leadership, has fostered a culture of trust, inclusion, and excellence within her community.

We congratulate Traci for receiving this well-deserved award and thank her for leading with heart, and for reminding us what purposeful, person-centered leadership truly looks like.

You can read the full Argentum article here.

Anthem Memory Care CEO, Isaac Scott, joined a panel of senior care veterans to share insights and perspectives on innovation, collaboration, and a new generation of residents at this year’s Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference.

Isaac Scott noted the importance of value-based care, and its power to support and affect nursing teams. He also noted that residents are coming into communities with higher and more complex needs and the need for senior living operators to take control of their outcomes.

The emergence of AI in senior living was also discussed. Isaac Scott shared examples of how it can be used to handle tasks such as recording sales calls and funneling them into customer relationship management programs to help generate a more thoughtful follow-up by the sales teams. He noted how it can be used to free up staff to be more effective in how they provide care for residents.

You can read the full Argentum article here.

Morningside Senior Prom: They Truly Had the Time of Their Lives!

"The goal tonight is to have the time of our lives," said Frank Trimboli, executive director of Morningside Place Memory Care, in an interview with KSHB News who was covering their annual Senior Prom. And they did! Residents enjoyed an evening full of glamour, delicious food, and lots of dancing to timeless oldies. Theirs was one of many senior proms occuring across the greater Kansas City area at memory care communities, all aiming to create joyful moments for their residents.

You can see the full KSHB News coverage here.

One of the biggest challenges for individuals with dementia is navigating a world that is becoming increasingly confusing and intimidating. While most of us welcome variety and spontaneity in our daily lives, individuals with dementia gravitate towards familiar patterns and routines. There is a reason for this – it helps them feel safer and more grounded in reality.

Many family caregivers, unaware of this, may be exposing them to unwanted stimuli and disruption. While well intended, they don’t realize that their efforts to improve their loved one’s environment may in fact do the opposite, leading to increased stress and anxiety. This is especially true for individuals in the middle stages of dementia.

Why is a routine essential for individuals with memory loss?

Familiarity, structure, and consistency can significantly reduce confusion, anxiety, and frustration, while promoting a greater sense of security and comfort. That is why our Anthem Memory Care communities bolster engagement and connection through structure and routine.

Here are some of the ways we add the value of routines into our communities:

Routine and structure should be empowering, never rigid.

That is why our approach to daily life at our memory care communities is to create a gentle structure that empowers each resident to feel safe, supported, and seen. Through this approach, we create communities where residents can thrive with dignity, purpose, and peace of mind.

Our professional nurses, life enrichment team, and caregivers understand that a steady rhythm to the day helps residents feel more grounded and in control, even as their journey with dementia evolves. That’s why we intentionally design each day around predictable, supportive routines.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, we encourage you to reach out to any of our communities. We will be glad to answer your questions, provide resources, and share some tips on implementing daily routines that will your loved one feel safe, protected, and empowered.

(Our header image shows an exercise class adjusted for residents with mobility challenges conducted at Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota.)

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