Former Chicago record store owner, Irene Westbrook, celebrated her 100th birthday on January 19th at Grace Point Place Memory Care. Everyone enjoyed the record themed cake along with lots of great music. Her fellow Grace Point Place residents and staff joined in a toast to honor Irene and this very special milestone in her life.

Irene's special birthday was covered in the local Patch. You can read the full story here. 

For most of us, birthdays involve a party, which may include a few gifts and a special cake. It’s yet another excuse to celebrate. And we enjoy being the center of attention, if only for a day!

Clara Robertson, resident of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois, is celebrating her 100^th birthday. And cake and gifts are the last things on her mind.

In lieu of gits, donations to local animal shelters are on Clara’s wish list.

A lifelong animal lover, Clara has a special wish, one that she made abundantly clear to Porter Place staff, her fellow residents and her family. Instead of gifts this year, she is accepting donations for local Chicago Heights animal shelters. What a noble and worthwhile way to celebrate!

Clara’s goal is to collect 100 donation items including bowls, food, leashes, blankets and other necessities to help local shelter workers care for more dogs and cats this year.

Volunteering, charity drives, and other purposeful projects are part of life at Anthem.

Giving back to the greater community has always been something we encourage at our Anthem communities. Whether it takes the form of raising money for our local food banks, car washes to raise money for Alzheimer’s research or other volunteer and charitable activities, these purposeful projects are important to everyone who lives and works at Anthem.

With her own rescue dog, Sasha, always at her side, Clara Robertson is thrilled to see the donations rolling in for her birthday campaign. We look forward to her 101^st birthday knowing that whatever she decides to do to celebrate, it will involve caring for animals in need.

Clara’s birthday mission was covered in the Chicago Tribune. You can read the article here.

(Our header image shows Clara with her amazing canine companion, Sasha, sitting contentedly at her feet!)

 Related Articles:

• Harvester Place Holds a Special Birthday Celebration for 102 Year Old, Hazel Linne
• Porter Place Resident Asks for Donations to Local Animal Shelter to Celebrate Her 100th Birthday

Rather than being showered with gifts on her 100th birthday, Clara Robertson, a resident of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois is asking for donations to the local animal shelters. A lifetime dog lover, Clara is enjoying life at Porter Place with her rescue dog, Sasha. In honor of her 100th birthday, Clara's goal is to collect 100 items for the shelters, including leashes, water bowls, dry and canned food. 

The donation drive was covered in the Tinley Park Patch. You can read the full article here. 

There has been a great deal of excitement in the medical world lately over the latest FDA approved drug for adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. McKnight’s Long-Term Care News recently published an article about the new drug, lecanemab, developed by Eisai and Biogen to be sold under the brand name, Leqembi. Clinical trial data shows that patients given infusions of the drug exhibited 27% “moderately” less decline in function and cognition. The trial covered an 18-month period.

Here are some key facts about Leqembi:

1. Leqembi is a monoclonal antibody, targeting the amyloid plaque build-up in the brain. These plaques are generally believed to be a major contributing factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. It is recommended for use in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
3. The medication is delivered through a process known as “infusion”, wherein the medication is delivered intravenously.
4. Leqembi is the most recent of therapies that treat the underlying disease, whereas others have only treated the symptoms of the disease.

Jim Altrichter, National Vice President of Clinical Services for Anthem Memory Care shared his thoughts about Leqembi with McKnight’s Clinical Daily, and was quoted in the McKnight’s Long-Term News article.

“I am certainly excited to see a new medicine approved for the treatment of dementia reach the market,” he said. “For people who are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, a conversation with their medical provider about lecanemab and the potential benefits of this medicine would be an important step I would recommend,” he added.

While we do not yet have a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, memory care providers, including our own team at Anthem and our communities, are encouraged by the clinical trial results of Lequembi. We look forward to learning more about this latest breakthrough in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.

(Photo credit: Eisai)

Residents and staff of Porter Place Memory Care wanted to reach out to local first responders and thank them for all their ongoing support. The relationship between the local police department and Porter Place is a special one. The residents put together a delicious package of sweets and paid a visit to the local Tinley Park Police Station. Needless to say, the visit was welcomed by all! 

The "sweet" visit was covered in the Tinley Park Patch. You can read the full story here. 

After receiving dozens of lovely holiday cards from local fifth graders of Avaxat Elementary School in Murrieta, California, the residents of Vineyard Place Memory Care decided to thank them with a very special “virtual” story time.

Connecting through a Zoom session, the residents took turns reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to a delighted group of children.

“It’s more important than ever for our seniors to sustain connections and interact with the younger generation,” Melissa Williams, community relations director, told the Press Enterprise. And the children enjoyed the interaction too!

You can read the full story in the Press Enterprise here.

The holidays are a time when many adult children visit their aging parents, in some instances for the first time in over a year. While it is a time to celebrate and catch up, it can also bring concern when a mom or dad shows signs of memory loss and confusion.

We hear often from adult children in this situation who wonder if they are overreacting or if there is cause for genuine concern. They find themselves at a crossroads contemplating what if any actions they should be taking.

If this is your situation, we understand your concern and your growing fears.

On one hand, you’d like to believe that mom or dad’s forgetfulness or inability to find the right words in a conversation are just signs of normal aging. And yet, there is that nagging thought that it could, in fact, be something more.

Looking back on your visit, ask yourself if your parent exhibited any of the following behaviors:

1. Reluctance to engage in activities they used to enjoy such as playing a game or preparing a meal.
2. Struggling to carry on a conversation, often losing track of what they were going to say.
3. Appearing unkempt and less aware of personal hygiene.
4. Becoming atypically irritable when you attempted to help them.
5. Repeatedly forgetting to take their medications.
6. Misplacing personal items in unusual places.
7. Quick to anger over something that never bothered them before.
8. Leaving a stove burner on or water running.
9. Forgetting to lock their doors or leaving them ajar.
10. Finally, did other family members notice a change?

Of course, at any given time, all of us have experienced a few of the above, especially as we age. So it’s important not to jump to conclusions.

Equally important, however, is to trust your instincts.

Nobody knows your parents as well as you do. Discuss your concerns with your family. Reach out to trusted sources, such as a family physician, therapist, or spiritual advisor for guidance as these conversations can be challenging.

Whether your parent is experiencing normal aging, mild cognitive loss, or is in the early stages of dementia is a determination that requires a thorough evaluation by a licensed health professional with expertise in dementia.

We understand how challenging taking these steps can be.

However, by taking them, you will be in a stronger position to care for your parent, regardless of the prognosis.

Always know that you can reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with your concerns. Many of us have experienced similar situations in our own families, and we are always here to provide a sympathetic ear as well as information and resources to help you meet the challenges ahead.  

 Related Articles:

• Post Holiday Concern: Is Mom or Dad Developing Dementia?
• Vacationing Without Mom? 5 Tips to Keep her Safe and Connected

Every year this time most of us make New Year’s resolutions. But, often by the middle of January, we slip back into old habits and unhealthy routines. Does that sound familiar?

Why not make this year different?

We’ve collected some really great resolutions for family caregivers from a variety of sources, including DailyCaring.com, The Alzheimer’s Association and from within our own communities.

Here are five to put on your list:

1. Use your resources. Yes, you are already aware of all the articles, books, tips and informative websites available to caregivers. But are you really using these resources? Create a list and make it a point to stay tuned-in to local or streaming seminars, events and other ways of educating yourself about your loved one’s condition as well as your own role as caregiver. Knowledge is power as they say. Make this the year you become even more informed.
2. Make peace with what you can’t control. And there is more you can’t control than you think. Every time you find yourself trying to change someone or some situation, ask yourself (and be honest), “Can I really control this?” If not, as hard as it is, it’s time to let it go. Save your energy for things that you know will make a difference.
3. Become your own best friend. It starts by surrounding yourself with positive people who build you up and recognize the true value you have. And practice engaging in positive “self-talk”. This is that ongoing narrative we have in our heads all day long. It is a narrative that can quickly turn very negative. But there are ways to transform it from negative into a positive inner dialog that helps you get through those tough days.
4. Reach out for help. Make it a point this year to join a support group. And make the effort to overcome your hesitancy to enlist the help of relatives and trusted friends. So many caregivers don’t believe others can or want to really help them. They do and they can! But first you much reach out and ask.
5. Carve out “me” time. What is it you love to do? What do you find relaxing? Invigorating? Make this the year you reclaim your “me time”. If you can’t find a relative or friend to watch your loved one, check into respite care with your local memory care community. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests setting aside Monday as your “me” day for self-love and caring. It will kick off your week in a positive way.

Which of these resonates with you? Which would be helpful to you in the new year? Why not explore one or two of them. Stick with your efforts. And don’t expect perfection. Be sure to surround yourself with positive people who will support your new regimen of self-love and care.

By doing so, you will find it easier to handle those tough days. And you will also find more joy in the good days.

 Related Articles:

• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
• Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: How to Get Involved!

Middle school students from Addenbrooke Classical Academy in Littleton, Colorado enjoyed a delightful visit to Willowbrook Place to join residents in building gingerbread houses, singing Christmas carols and playing board games in a holiday celebration. It was lots of fun, as it always is when young people get together with our residents!

You can read the full article in the Denver Patch here.

We often write about the special joy the holidays bring to our Anthem Memory Care family. It is a time of year we all appreciate, because it brings loved ones together and, in the process, often sparks cherished memories.

Over the last few weeks, our Anthem Memory Care communities have taken some amazing photos of residents, families and staff members enjoying activities and outings that celebrate this festive time of year.

We’d like to share some of those moments with you …

Emerald Place staff, in Glenview, Illinois, had a blast during their holiday themed pajama day!

Highline Place residents enjoys an outing in Littleton, Colorado to see the Christmas lights!

A picture perfect post by this amazing resident of Willowbrook Place in Littleton, Colorado!

Cascade Creek residents in Rochester, Minnesota put their talents to work, making some awesome tree decorations.

This Vineyard Place resident in Murrieta, California manages to squeeze one more ornament on that gorgeous tree!

Serving up the eggnog at Morningside Place’s family holiday gathering in Overland Park, Kansas.

Even animals got in on the action! Chelsea Place residents in Aurora, Colorado received a special holiday visit from this lovely llama, courtesy of the folks at local Peachy Farms.

We hope that you and your families are finding time to relax and share the holiday season with your loved ones. There are many special moments still left to share this year. Take time to enjoy them!

(Our header image shows Vineyard Place’s decorated van participating in the Murrieta Holiday Parade. And, yes, residents were in the van, waving and spreading good cheer.)

Residents and staff of Grace Point Place worked hard to put together dozens of “self-care” packages for local Hometown Meals on Wheels volunteers. The packages were donated in appreciation for the great work these heroes do every day! The project was covered in the Chicago Tribune.

You can read the full article here.

If you are a family caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that the holidays bring special challenges. On one hand, you enjoy all the music and decorations, as well as getting together with family and friends. However, all that hustle and bustle can create unwanted tensions as you struggle to balance holiday plans with caring for your loved one.

What you need to know is that if you are not careful you may find your emotional and physical health spiraling out of control. Caregiver burnout is a very real health issue. And it can be even more devastating over the holidays.

That is why it’s so important to take special care of yourself these days. And, for selfless and dedicated family caregivers, like you, that’s not easy.

Here are some tips we’ve collected, from our own staff and other professional resources to help you stress less over the holidays and enjoy them more:

1. Exercise. A short work out, or even a walk, helps reduce stress.
2. Eat well. A balanced meal will fortify you and help bolster your immune system.
3. Get your sleep! This is needed to recharge your body and your mind.
4. Reduce responsibilities and lower self-expectations. Eliminate or cut down on any activities you don’t truly enjoy. Let others do some of the baking or shopping for you.
5. Reach out for help. You need breaks. Let your inner circle know and don’t be afraid to ask them to relieve you for an afternoon or evening so that you can take some time for yourself. Consider joining a local dementia support group as well.

These steps may seem obvious and yet most caregivers neglect to take them. Don’t let the simplicity of them lead you to downplay their power.

Instead, wake up each day and ask yourself, “Am I doing too much?” “How can I get a better night’s sleep tonight?” “Who can relieve me of my caregiving duties so that I can spend an afternoon on my own?”

Caring for yourself makes you a better caregiver to others. Make sure you treating yourself to the same tender loving care you give your loved one. It will make all the difference. 

When transitioning a loved one into memory care, many families will select a shared suite arrangement. Often the main driver of the decision is to save money. And clearly there is a financial benefit. However, what many families may not realize is that there can be additional benefits to sharing a living space with a fellow resident.

Dementia expert and founder of MemoryCareSupport.com, Anne Ellett has found, through years of working with dementia residents, that sharing a common space on a day-to-day basis can foster companionship which, in turn, promotes emotional health.

Members of our own Anthem Memory Care community team have observed these benefits firsthand. Jodi Cornman, senior community relations director for Highline Place Memory Care, and Chasity Robinson Mwangi, community relations director for Morningside Place Memory Care, are both veterans in memory care, each with years of experience in all areas of daily care. That includes rooming arrangements.

Both have noted benefits to residents who share a suite. Of course, they stress the importance of considering the temperament of the residents, their ability to participate, and the level of care needed before pairing them with a roommate. And occasionally a change is needed to secure a better match for the resident. However, the benefits in most cases outweigh the issues.

Based on their experiences, as well as information they have gathered over the years, here are three key potential benefits of a shared suite arrangement:  

1. More flexible and accepting of changes. Having a roommate can help foster greater acceptance of the presence of others around them. That makes it easier for them to adapt to other changes within their environment.
2. Greater companionship. Roommates tend to be more likely to look out for each other and be supportive of one another. Close friendships can develop between roommates, which can bring strong emotional benefits.
3. Reduced isolation. Individuals living alone in their suites can gradually become more comfortable being away from others. This can present problems, especially for an individual with dementia, in that it isolates them from others. Having a roommate requires a certain level of interaction and communication. This is healthy and keeps them connected.

We invite you to reach out to us with questions about your loved one’s needs and preferences. We will be happy to share our own experiences and resources and will do our utmost to help you and your loved one make the best decision.

 Related Articles:

• Tips for Effective Communication with Loved Ones with Dementia
• How Well are You Caring for Your Own Health? (A Self-Audit)

Celebrations with family and friends are always at the center of the holiday season. Gift exchanges, dinners, open houses, and casual drop-ins from neighbors; all form a big part of what we love about this time of the year.

For a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, however, these once joyous gatherings can cause immense stress and anxiety. Disruptions to their normal schedules along with the highly charged atmosphere created by these visits can be disorienting. They may also feel marginalized as they are kept “out of the way” in efforts to insulate them from the hustle and bustle. Worse yet, they may be ignored altogether by family members and friends who feel awkward approaching them and attempting to interact.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

The Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimer’s Association have published a wealth of information and tips to help family caregivers include their loved ones with dementia in the festivities in ways that do not overwhelm them and cause unnecessary anxiety.

Here are some of their tips to help make your holiday gatherings more enjoyable for everyone:

1. Adjust your expectations. Perhaps you always baked the pies or cooked the mashed potatoes for past holiday dinners. This may be a time to break with that tradition and let others contribute. Likewise, it’s time to adjust your expectations of your loved one with dementia. They may not be able ot handle the noise and confusion of holiday visits. By adjusting your expectations, you will be creating a new holiday atmosphere that will be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
2. Alert family members and friends in advance. This is so important. You can arrange for a group call or video session to give them insights as to your loved one’s condition and how to interact with them. You can use this time to introduce changes you’ve made to accommodate your loved one’s schedule and keep them comfortable. Knowing this in advance will make everyone more relaxed when they arrive and better able to engage with your loved one.
3. Include your loved one in the festivities. They might help you with the preparations by mixing cookie dough, decorating, and setting the table. By making a meaningful contribution to the festivities, something they undoubtedly did in past years, your loved one will feel more valued and connected to everyone around them. And you’ll feel great including them!
4. Provide a quiet space for them during the festivities. Consider carving out a quiet area of the main room or a chair in a nearby room. While your loved one may enjoy sitting inside the family circle for a short time, they may need a place they can go to relax, take a short nap or just take a break from the noise.
5. Shorten the length of gatherings. You can explain any schedule changes in your call with relatives. If your gatherings typically last all afternoon and well into the evening, consider limiting them to a few hours. If your loved one is more alert in the earlier part of the day, adjust your schedule accordingly.

Remember that this is also about your own comfort level as caregiver. How do you feel about the arrangements? What do you need to adjust to make it easier? Trust your instincts. If you feel the need to make a last-minute change, don’t hesitate to do so.

With proper planning, advance communications and adjusted expectations, this holiday season can, in new ways, be just as special and full of joy as those in the past.

(Our delightful header image shows a Willowbrook Place Memory Care resident standing in front of their beautiful tree, decorated by residents and staff!)

‘Tis the season … for making travel plans. And, as air travel continues to get more back to normal, this year promises to be busier than ever.  

For many of us, air travel brings a heightened level of stress. Packing, getting tickets in order, shuttling to and from busy airports requires us to pay attention and be alert as we hustle to our departing gates. Then, once on board, it’s all about stashing the carry-on bags, finding your seat, and waiting for takeoff.

With that in mind, imagine how stressful navigating a busy airport can be for an individual with dementia. Minor disruptions become major ones; check-ins bring their own unique challenges. Add to that, sitting for a prolonged period of time on a stuffy airplane and you have a perfect storm for an anxiety attack.

What you may find it surprising to learn, however, is that with solid planning and attention to details, individuals with dementia, especially in the earlier stages, can handle air travel with minimal disruption and stress.

The key, of course is careful planning and preparation.

Here are just a few of the great air travel tips from Dementia.org:

1. Get to the airport extra early. This really goes without saying, but if the airport suggests two hours, make it three.
2. Let the airport staff know you are traveling with a cognitive-impaired individual. This can make a huge difference, as most airports are well equipped to assist families with special needs. Take advantage of it!
3. Pack snacks and water. Sudden onset of hunger and thirst can be avoided by bringing familiar snacks and plenty of water along.
4. Bring noise canceling headphones. Loud talking and babies crying can create anxiety. These headphones are great at screening it all out.
5. Check as many bags as possible. The fewer items you need to schlep through the airport the better. You will be able to focus on your loved one, not handling a lot of extra bags.

Also note that the more you can do at home to get ready in advance of your travel date, the less stressful the actual day will be. You can begin packing bags a few days early as well as organizing your snack items and other carry-on items for the trip.

And, finally, remember that the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed and less stressed your loved one will be. You can find more travel tips and insights from Dementia Friendly Airports.

Enjoy your trip!

Related Articles:

• The Great Outdoors: Powerful Therapy for Those Living with Dementia
• Socialization for Dementia Care: 5 Reasons Why It’s So Important