Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois recently celebrated Elvis Presley’s birthday with a festive event filled with music, memories, and fun. Chicagoland Elvis impersonator, Ed Parzygnat, entertained residents with classic hits and signature moves, while guests enjoyed one of Elvis’s favorite meals … meatloaf!

“Celebrating Elvis’s birthday is more than just a fun event; it gives our residents a chance to relive cherished memories and connect through music and laughter,” said Jaime Vahhaji, life engagement director at Emerald Place. “We’re committed to creating meaningful moments of joy and belonging for everyone in our community.”

You can read full coverage of the event in the Glenview Patch.

One of the greatest fears expressed by family caregivers of loved ones with dementia is that they will leave the safety and security of their home to wander, unsupervised, through the streets. It’s a very understandable fear. After all, most of us have seen news alerts or heard radio reports about missing older adults, detailing what they were wearing and where they were last spotted. The thought of someone you love wandering alone in an unfamiliar place, confused and unprotected, is deeply unsettling.

While wandering poses a year-round danger, an individual impulsively leaving their home unprepared and unsupervised during cold, winter weather faces an added layer of safety and health risks, including the following:

• Cold winds make walking and breathing more difficult. This puts extra stress on the lungs and heart, which can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• Icy streets and sidewalks create serious slipping hazards which can result in a potentially deadly fall.
• Rain and snow, even if the individual is wearing a jacket, can eventually begin to soak through, causing them to shiver uncontrollably, quickly becoming exhausted. Exposed hands or feet are vulnerable to frostbite. And the rapid reduction in body temperature can lead to hypothermia, a condition which, if not immediately addressed, can be deadly.

Adding to these hazards is the likelihood that, during winter, your loved one’s wandering may go undetected for a longer period of time. Neighbors, who in warmer months may be out walking or gardening, are more likely to remain tucked away behind closed doors and windows.

Fortunately, there are practical steps you and your family can take to add an extra layer of protection for a loved one who may no longer be able to safely navigate their surroundings. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a comprehensive list of tips to help prevent wandering and safeguard your loved one in the event they do leave the security of their home. We have focused on seven key tips below that can make a real difference in the safety of your loved one:

1. Determine when the individual is most prone to wandering Studies show that wandering most often occurs in the late afternoon or early evening for those affected by “sundowning”, a Schedule engaging or structured activities during these periods to help reduce restlessness.
2. Relocate or camouflage door locks and knobs. Locks and bolts that are placed up high or down low are out of their line of vision. Doorknobs covered in cloth that matches the door color will be harder to identify. This will help prevent your loved one from easily unlocking and opening the door to leave the home.
3. Enclose outdoor spaces. This can include patios, yards, or other shared outdoor spaces, by putting up fencing or landscaping barriers, such as hedges, to create a secure boundary.
4. Keep them active and engaged. Provide regular opportunities for your loved one to take part in planned, purposeful activities throughout the day that promote engagement and maintain a healthy routine. Encourage daily exercise. Studies show that insufficient exercise can make an individual with dementia restless, increasing their tendency to wander. Ensuring that they have regular exercise, such as walking, floor exercise, or even chair workouts, can help release pent up energy in a positive, healthy way.  
5. Provide your loved one with visible identification. If your loved one becomes disoriented or leaves the area unexpectedly, wearing an ID bracelet or necklace can play a vital role in ensuring a safe return. The identification should note that the individual has memory challenges and list important medical information.
6. Create small instruction cards. These cards should contain simple, short, guiding messages such as, “Please call home at xxx-xxxx.” Place them in your loved one’s pockets or in their purse or wallet so that they are easy to find.
7. Register your loved one with a local safeguard program. Check your local government offices for programs, such as “Silver Alerts” that provide specialized assistance if your loved one with dementia goes missing.

It is important to note, however, that even with safety measures in place there may come a time when it makes sense to consider specialized memory care for your loved one. Why? Because professional care environments, such as our Anthem Memory Care communities, are intentionally designed from ground up to provide plenty of well lit, appealing walking spaces for residents to stroll safely, both inside and within the secured outdoor areas. These spaces are comfortable and accommodating, honoring each person’s dignity and supporting their independence.

You are welcome to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and experience firsthand how the thoughtful layouts gently support those who may wander, allowing them to move safely and comfortably in a warm and welcoming environment. We’re here to answer your questions and provide additional information and resources to help you navigate your caregiving journey.

Most families enjoy getting out of the house for a meal at their favorite restaurant, a picnic in the park, shopping at their local mall, taking in a movie, or any other outings. If you have a family member with dementia, however, those outings that were once so easy and fun can feel more challenging. And it’s completely understandable, given the added worry about your loved one’s potential confusion, anxiety, or distress during these outings. After all, you want them to enjoy each outing as much as everyone else.

While much has been written about creating a safe, dementia-friendly home, less attention has been given to building a dementia-friendly experience when out and about with a loved one who has dementia. And yet, with a little planning and consideration, it is indeed possible!

Here are some tips to help create a more dementia-friendly experience for your loved one during family outings:

• Decide on the right outing. Selecting the right outing is an important first step. Some venues are naturally more dementia-friendly than others. What kinds of outings does your loved one enjoy? Are they still able, physically and cognitively, to participate? Make it a point to include your loved one in these conversations and consider their preferences and abilities.
• Check in with the venue in advance. If you can’t visit in person, review photos or maps of the destination. Call ahead to learn more about if and how they accommodate individuals with dementia. For instance, when dining out, you can request a table away from the noisier areas and close to the restrooms.

• Timing is everything. Choose times when your loved one is most alert, often in the morning, and avoid crowded, high-traffic times. Take their personal preferences into consideration.
• Be prepared. Bring essentials like medications, snacks, water, identification card, and emergency information with you.
• Less is more. The most successful outings are short and flexible. Monitor your loved one’s behavior. Remember, it’s always okay to leave early if fatigue or agitation sets in.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that an increasing number of communities, cities, and organizations are actively promoting dementia-friendly environments. Many cities have programs in place to encourage shops, cafes, museums, libraries, parks, and other public spaces to improve access, staff training, signage, and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Here are a few examples:

• Memory Cafes: These offer a supportive and stigma-free environment to socialize and participate in engaging, facilitated activities like music, art, or storytelling. Dementia Friendly America has a list of memory cafes throughout the U.S.

• Cultural Institutions: Museums and art galleries increasingly offer dementia-friendly hours, quiet sessions, or specialized tours with trained staff.
• Retail and Financial Businesses: In some areas, businesses have joined initiatives to train their employees on how to interact supportively with customers who have dementia. This might include being patient with transactions, providing clear signage, and providing extra help.
• Parks and Gardens: Public parks, botanical gardens, and garden centers are naturally dementia-friendly, with gentle sensory stimulation and natural light. Many provide safe, well-lit, open spaces for walks and social interaction. 

Choosing a venue that is known to have a dementia-friendly environment will make your outings feel more manageable and enjoyable. Supportive, easy-to-navigate environments will help your loved one feel safe, comfortable, and more independent, while giving you a more relaxing experience.

And, don’t forget that a little preparation goes a long way. Taking small steps, like reviewing maps or photos of a venue beforehand, bringing snacks and essentials, and letting staff know about your loved one’s needs can make the day go more smoothly.

With thoughtful planning, your family outings can shift from being stressful and uncertain to meaningful, enjoyable experiences that you, your loved one, and your family can share.

We invite you to scan our blogs to read about some of the amazing outings our Anthem Memory Care communities enjoy on a regular basis. The residents, their families, and our staff love to get out and about together. These outings foster connection, engagement, and a greater sense of community for all of us.

The anticipation of a fresh new year brings an opportunity for all of us to pause, reflect, and look ahead, with the hope of making each year better than the last. For family caregivers supporting loved ones with dementia, this time of year can also cause anxiety, often brought about by the awareness that the new year may bring many of the same uncertainties and demanding daily challenges. It is within this emotional space that New Year’s resolutions can take on greater meaning, feeling less like empty promises and more like intentional steps toward gaining better support and quality of life.

If you are caring for a loved one, the new year can provide you with a chance to reset expectations, focus on small wins, and find new ways to care for both your loved one and yourself.

Below are seven New Year’s resolutions, curated and summarized from sources including The Alzheimer’s Association, The National Institute on Aging, and others. They are designed to help you ease stress, build resilience, and bring a sense of balance and support into the year ahead:

1. Make health a priority.
   I will take small, realistic steps to care for my physical, mental, and emotional well-being, whether that means moving my body more, improving my sleep, or practicing simple stress-relief techniques, like yoga or meditation.
2. Ask for and accept support.
   I will reach out to family, friends, or respite care services when I need help, and accept their offers of help. I will connect with other caregivers through support groups or online communities, so that I feel less alone in my journey.
3. Learn more about dementia and caregiving.
   I will build greater strength through knowledge by educating myself about the progression of the disease, effective ways to respond to behavior changes, and the resources available to me.
4. Show myself compassion and set realistic expectations.
   I will acknowledge my efforts, let go of perfectionism, and set achievable goals to protect myself from burnout.
5. Seek moments of humor.
   I will give myself and my loved one permission to smile, laugh, and enjoy moments of levity, recognizing that humor can be a powerful source of comfort, connection, and emotional relief.
6. Plan ahead whenever possible.
   I will have thoughtful conversations and make plans for future care decisions while my loved one can still participate, helping reduce stress and uncertainty down the road.
7. Carve out more “me time.”
   I will schedule regular moments, no matter how small, to rest, recharge, and do something just for myself, without guilt. I will consider respite care services for my loved one, which will give me time to catch up on my appointments and enjoy an outing or two with friends.

Setting small, realistic resolutions focused on self-care and support will help to ease the weight of caregiving and create more space for hope. By honoring both your loved one’s needs and your own, you can enter the new year ahead with greater resilience, clarity, and the reassurance that even small steps can lead to meaningful change.

Remember, too, that our doors are open to you. We invite you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with your questions and concerns. We are here to help you with the journey ahead.

Wishing you a happy new year filled with strength, support, and many moments of joy!

Our Anthem Memory Care communities are busy all year round, but we especially love the holiday season. It is a time, not only for gathering with family and friends, but a time for counting our blessings and giving back in meaningful ways to the greater community.

Below are some wonderful photos taken during the holidays that show off some of the amazing projects and special events our residents and staff have enjoyed this holiday season.

Chelsea Place Memory Care residents participated in a food drive to provide Thanksgiving meals to underserved families in the greater Aurora, Colorado area. Here, a resident packs up a box full of canned goods and baking supplies.

Vineyard Place Memory Care hosted a special story time, inviting local fourth graders to read their favorite holiday stories with residents. You can see in this photo the joy that intergenerational engagement brings to both students and residents!

Tree trimming is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Each year residents enjoy the camaraderie of getting out their favorite ornaments and sharing stories of holidays “back in the day”. Here, a resident of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois puts the final touches on their tree.

Local students from EPIC Campus in Littleton, Colorado visited residents at Highline Place Memory Care  to help craft special “memory books” containing photos and unique holiday memories shared by the residents. What a wonderful way to bring generations together to connect and engage.

Residents and staff of Harvester Place Memory Care headed off on a shopping spree to gather clothing items for their Christmas “Adopt a Child” program to bring comfort and joy to underserved families in the greater Chicago area.

Young family members of residents and staff of Savoy Place Memory Care in Savoy, Illinois were invited for a special visit from Santa. When children are around, wonderful things happen! Smiles, laughter, and memories of past holidays bring joyful moments to both residents and children.

Our residents enjoy making their own decorative ornaments each year. This vivacious resident of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois shows off her handiwork before hanging it on the tree.

Churchill Place Memory Care residents brave the chilly weather to deliver a grocery cart full of food to Glen House Food Pantry in Glen Ellyn, Illinois for distribution to families over the holidays. Giving back is a huge part of the holidays, especially for residents who have enjoyed volunteering all their lives!

This holiday season has brought so many opportunities for connection and enrichment every day in our Anthem communities. With some advanced planning and a few adjustments, your family, too, can experience the joy of including your loved one with dementia in your own holiday activities. You will be pleased to discover how much their presence lights up your gatherings and sparks wonderful memories of past holidays.

We also would like to invite you and your family to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities during the holidays to experience for yourself the supportive, engaging environments our residents enjoy each day. Our staff will be happy to answer questions you may have about memory care and to share our own experiences. We love the holidays and welcome the opportunity to share them with you!

(So many of our residents have owned and loved dogs all their lives, and they love doing their part to help the shelters. Our header image shows Concord Place Memory Care residents and staff delivering handmade dog treats to their local animal shelter in Knoxville, Tennessee. And, of course, it included a visit to see the resident canines!)

Students from local EPIC Campus vocational school sat down with Highline Place Memory Care residents in Littleton, Colorado to create Christmas “Journal of Memories” books filled with residents’ treasured memories of holidays and other special events in the residents' lives.

The project sparked holiday memories and some great conversations as the students learned more about each resident’s life. These intergenerational visits have helped to create strong bonds between the young people and residents.

You can watch the full video of the local Channel 9 News coverage here.

This holiday season, seniors at Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin, are spreading cheer by lending a helping hand to families facing food insecurity.

Residents and staff collected and delivered nonperishable food items to the Hunger Task Force of West Milwaukee, helping ensure that local families can enjoy a warm, festive meal this Christmas.

“Partnering with the Hunger Task Force gives our residents a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others,” said Tiffany McClain, Life Engagement Director at Franklin Place.

You can read the full story on the Franklin Patch website.

With the holiday season in full swing, caregivers of family members living with dementia often find themselves juggling extra responsibilities, balancing their loved one’s safety, logistical planning, and emotional needs alongside their everyday family, work, and other commitments.

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, we invite you to tune in to some of our recorded webinars, featuring dementia experts such as gerontologist and author, Dr. Tam Cummings, and others who provide information, insights, and tools to help you and your family navigate a more positive holiday experience.

The links below will connect you to five key webinars covering topics including understanding dementia behavior, improving communication, and creating meaningful, more joyful experiences for your loved one and your family throughout the holidays.

1. Learning Your Loved One’s New Language
2. Navigating the Holidays with a Loved One Living with Dementia: Tips for a Joyful Season
3. The Power of Purpose: Helping Individuals with Dementia Continue to Experience Meaning
4. Rethinking Quality of Life When Your Loved One Has Memory Problems
5. What Does That Behavior Mean?

(Note that additional webinars can be accessed on our Anthem Memory Care resource page.)  

Here are a few additional links to our blogs on topics relating to caregiving over the holidays:

• Making the Holidays Less Stressful and More Meaningful
• Caring for a Parent with Dementia? 5 Things to Do for Yourself Over the Holidays
• 5 Tips to Reduce a Parent’s Isolation Over the Holidays
• Delicious, Brain Healthy Meals for the Holidays? Yes, it’s Possible!

We encourage you to share these links with family members and friends. They, too, will benefit from the additional insights and tips.

As always, we invite you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for holiday tips and insights from our team. Having solid information in advance of your holiday gatherings will help everyone in your family more effectively navigate their interactions with your loved one, leading to less stress and anxiety and more meaningful moments of joy.

Residents of Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado seldom miss an opportunity to watch their favorite football team, the Denver Broncos, in action!

Amidst streamers, balloons, and pompoms, residents enjoyed the play-by-play action on the big screen, while they swapped memories of their favorite Bronco games in years past. And there were plenty to go around. Even the staff joined in!

Sharing past life experiences, such as these, adds purpose and meaning into the daily lives of individuals with dementia. It stimulates engagement and conversation, both of which are key to mental and emotional wellbeing.

You can watch the full coverage of Greenridge Place’s game day activities and hear residents share their Bronco fan stories on local Channel 9 News.

Residents of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois recently paid a special visit to Glenview Fire Department Station 6 to deliver freshly baked holiday cookies in appreciation of the amazing work of their first responders.

Acts of giving like this not only strengthen community connections but also provide meaningful emotional and cognitive benefits for those living with dementia. Engaging in purposeful activities, such as baking, visiting familiar local places, and expressing appreciation, can boost mood, support memory recall, and foster a sense of belonging and contribution.

Through gestures of kindness, residents experience joy, connection, and empowerment while honoring the heroes who serve their community.

You can read the full story in the local Glenview Patch.

The holidays always seem to come and go so quickly. One minute we’re sitting down to a Thanksgiving dinner and the next thing we know, we’re toasting the New Year. It often seems like more time is spent hustling back and forth and preparing for get-togethers than spending quality time connecting with loved ones.

For family caregivers of loved ones with dementia, there is an added layer of stress to the holidays. Will mom be able to tolerate a two-hour car ride to our family celebration? Will dad remember his favorite niece? How will we navigate around all the noise and excitement as the grandchildren open presents?

All these concerns can create anxiety for caregivers and their families. It’s supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy holiday traditions. But for too many family caregivers, the holidays have become something to “get through” rather than something to “look forward to”.

How can you change the holiday dynamics to produce less stress and bring more joy?

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia and are starting to feel stress over your holiday plans, it’s time to take a deep breath and know that you have more control over the holidays than you might think. Here are some tips to help minimize stress for you and your loved one and help foster more moments of joy for the entire family.

• Practice saying “no.” If you tend to accept every invitation, even casual coffee meetups with friends, learning to politely, but firmly decline can help you better manage your day and protect your loved one’s routine.
• Be selective. When you do say “yes”, set your terms carefully. For example, if a gathering begins at 6 p.m., consider whether the timing, duration, or environment truly works for you and your loved one. You might suggest coming early with your loved one and staying for a couple hours. That way you are not walking into a crowded, noisy event already in full swing.
• Remain flexible. Holiday traditions may look different now. Try to avoid being too rigid in your plans. Be aware of your loved one’s emotional state of mind, and yours too! It’s okay to make last minute adjustments. Maybe a relaxing afternoon at home watching a holiday movie makes more sense than fighting traffic to go out to dinner. Recognizing this and embracing new approaches can help reduce stress and create more meaningful, manageable moments.
• Prepare family and friends in advance. For family get-togethers, this is important, especially for those who may not have seen your loved one for quite some time. Explain to them where your loved one is in their journey and their cognitive limitations. Share with them a few tips to make their interactions easier and more meaningful.
• Create new special moments. As you begin to re-engineer the holidays think about creating some new traditions that might include time spent sharing family photos, an afternoon watching old family videos, a sing-along to traditional favorite songs, or cooking a family favorite meal which everyone helps prepare.
• Use your resources. At some point during the holidays, you will need some time to yourself to unwind and recharge. Reach out to trusted family members and friends who offer to help. Take a break to steady your mind and restore your equilibrium. Even a few hours can make a big difference.

While the above steps may seem challenging, the preparation and adjustments you make will be rewarded with more relaxed and enjoyable holiday events and get-togethers. Your loved one will more likely be at their best, unrushed and relaxed. Your family will connect with them more easily and you will be more relaxed and able to enjoy the moment.

Even with planning, there may be moments when you begin to feel overwhelmed. That’s when it’s time to pause, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that it’s okay to set boundaries. Simplifying traditions, scaling back commitments, and focusing on what truly matters can transform the season into something more peaceful and meaningful. By choosing what works best for you and your loved one, you create space for less stress and more space for genuine joy.

We also invite you to call or drop in to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more tips and resources. We want your holiday experience to be positive, inclusive, and joyful … for the whole family.

Cassie Dennis, owner of the C Bar D Ranch in Cottonwood, California noticed a general lack of therapy ponies in the area and decided to do something about it.

Having worked in senior living before, Cassie contacted Willow Springs Memory Care in Redding and got the go-ahead to bring one of her favorite ponies, Taffy, by for a visit to the community.

The residents couldn’t get enough of the gentle pony, who strolled from one person to another. The impact of engaging with Taffy was felt almost immediately, sparking lively conversation and even a few memories from horse-loving residents.

Resident, Eileen Gallino, summed it up best, “It is so nice because [Taffy] seems to be more used to people than dogs are. She just walks along from person to person and gives people a piece of her personality, which is very, very nice.” Yes, indeed!

You can watch full coverage of Taffy’s visit on local Channel 7 KRCR news.

While the holidays are known for family gatherings and celebrations, one thing they are not generally associated with is healthy dining. Between the rich sauces and sweet desserts, the holidays can be challenging for anyone attempting to maintain a healthy diet. Maybe that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions contain the pledge to “lose weight”!

Individuals living with dementia must be particularly careful about what they put into their bodies because each spoonful has the potential to optimize or impair their cognition and physical wellbeing. Too much refined sugar, saturated fats, or salt can affect brain function, leading to potential physical and mental setbacks. Add to this the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and the result can be lethargy, confusion, and anxiety, making gatherings less joyful for everyone involved.

The key to healthier holidays is to optimize nutrition.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we have found that better nutrition can improve:

• Energy
• Alertness
• Engagement
• Sleep
• Mood
• Strength and mobility

With improvements in these areas, residents are more active, feel better and optimize their cognitive function. All this leads to an overall improvement in their quality of life.

Likewise, there are ways for family caregivers to navigate the holiday meal challenges with foods that are delicious and also lean into the health needs of a loved one with dementia.

Below is a summarized list of healthy foods recommended by the Mayo Clinic to optimize brain and overall body health:

Fruits

• Berries are rich in antioxidants which help protect the brain from oxidative damage and slow the progression of cognitive aging.
• Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support memory by improving cholesterol levels and promoting healthy blood flow.

Vegetables

• Beets contain natural nitrates that expand blood vessels, helping deliver more oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
• Dark Leafy Greens such as spinach and kale contain antioxidants like vitamin C and are associated with a reduction of age-related memory decline. They also contain folate, which supports circulation and reduces inflammation, both important for memory.

Whole Grains & Legumes

• Cracked wheat, whole-grain couscous, chickpeas, oats, sweet potatoes, and black beans contain complex carbohydrates that deliver a steady, sustained release of glucose, the brain’s primary fuel.

Seafood

• Fatty Fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards, and kippers provide omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a fatty fish one to two times per week has been linked to better memory.
• Shellfish & Crustaceans, including oysters, mussels, clams, crayfish, shrimp, and lobster offer vitamin B12, a nutrient essential for helping to prevent memory decline.

Healthier Fats

• Olive Oil, especially extra-virgin, contains monounsaturated fat that can help reduce LDL cholesterol and is rich in protective antioxidants.
• Walnuts supply omega-3 fatty acids that support vascular health, help regulate blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, and lower triglycerides.

Herbs & Seeds

• Sesame Seeds provide tyrosine, an amino acid used to produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter that supports alertness and sharp memory. They also supply zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6, all of which play roles in cognitive function.
• Rosemary has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and memory.

Of course, if you are not in charge of meal preparation, it won’t always be possible to tightly control what kinds of foods your loved one is exposed to at holiday gatherings. Starchy vegetables, cream sauces, cakes and cookies are part of so many holiday meals. The key is moderation. Keep watch over your loved one’s choices and limit the intake of saturated fats and sugar as much as possible.

To help with your holiday meal preparation, here are some additional resources and recipes that can help optimize brain health:

https://theofficialminddiet.com/recipe-bank

https://www.eatingwell.com/mind-diet-recipes-for-beginners-8666682

https://www.alztennessee.org/info/resources/mind-diet-and-brain-healthy-recipes

https://www.dementiasociety.org/post/the-mind-diet-a-brain-boosting-way-to-eat

Holiday meals can be both brain healthy and delicious, benefiting everyone in the family.

Including your loved one with dementia in family gatherings can bring many special moments of meaning and joy. Taking care to ensure that they are eating as healthy as possible will make those gatherings easier, happier, and more fulfilling. And, remember, healthier meal choices will benefit every member of the family!

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, our talented chefs are experts at creating nutritious, delicious dishes that promote better eating and better health. Our chefs would be happy to share some of their culinary secrets with you. Feel free to visit any of our communities and ask us for tips on healthy dining. We’re here to help!

Chelsea Place Memory Care residents and staff are giving back to families experiencing food insecurity in the greater Aurora, Colorado community through their recent month-long food drive.

Residents collected boxes of non-perishable goods, packaged them, and personally dropped them off at their local Partners of Food Bank of the Rockies center.

Charitable activities like these are clearly a win-win for everyone. Residents engage in efforts that benefit others while bringing a greater sense of purpose and meaning into their lives.

You can watch full coverage of the drive on local Fox news station KDVR.

When 85-year old Eldon Schreiner moved into Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, he brought with him a unique challenge – and an opportunity. Eldon, who has been deaf since childhood, uses sign language to communicate. Wanting to include Eldon in all facets of daily life at Willowbrook, residents and staff have embarked on a series of classes to learn some of the basics of ASL (American Sign Language).

A friend of Eldon’s instructs the classes, along with Eldon’s assistance. While it is challenging and will take time, the communication barriers are beginning to break down, fostering an atmosphere of greater connection and camaraderie.

You can learn more about Eldon’s journey by watching the coverage on local KUSA Channel 9.