Anyone who has ever owned a pet or spent time around animals understands the special comfort and connection they bring. Animals have a natural way of lifting spirits, calming anxiety, and bringing joy, smiles, and even laughter. What’s especially remarkable is how quickly a bond can form between humans and animals. They have an innate ability to create a sense of trust, working their quiet “magic” almost instantly.

For individuals living with dementia, animal-assisted therapy can be especially beneficial. Spending time with animals can help reduce stress, improve mood, encourage social interaction, and support both physical and cognitive abilities.

Research findings support the very real emotional and therapeutic value in animal-assisted therapy. Here are some key benefits:

Emotional and Behavioral

• Has the ability to quickly reduce anxiety and restlessness, both of which may lead to disruptive behaviors.
• Offers a unique form of companionship and affection, which may help reduce isolation and depression.
• May, in some cases, decrease reliance on certain medications for some individuals, according to research.

Social and Communication

• Helps stimulate communication and memories, encouraging participation from individuals who may normally be quiet or disengaged.
• Strengthens relationships by fostering meaningful interaction with caregivers, loved ones, and other residents.
• Encourages positive emotions, joy, camaraderie, and companionship, contributing to greater overall well-being.
• Provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities such as grooming or assisting with pet care, which can enhance confidence and a sense of purpose.

Physical and Cognitive

• Promotes movement and physical activity through interactive tasks such as walking, playing “fetch”, or caring for the animals.
• Helps maintain fine and gross motor abilities by encouraging active, hands-on participation.
• Enhances concentration, mental alertness, and memory through guided activities and animal interaction.

A wide variety of animals are now being used in animal-assisted therapy:

• Dogs are especially popular due to their easy going, affectionate nature and their ability to encourage interaction, movement, and emotional connection.
• Cats provide calm companionship and soothing sensory comfort through petting and cuddling.
• Horses bring their own special brand of therapy, with a calming impact that can be deeply soothing and therapeutic through petting, grooming, or simply sitting close to them.
• Goats and lambs, through their playful nature, add humor to therapy, bringing smiles and laughter to the interactions.  
• Smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are easy to hold, soft to touch, and are known to spark interest and conversation.

It is also important to note that animal-assisted therapy can benefit individuals during all stages of dementia, meeting people where they are emotionally, socially, and physically. The presence of animals can gently cut through increasing confusion and anxiety, offering comfort without requiring complex communication skills.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we take every opportunity to connect residents with an assortment of amazing therapy animals. We’ve witnessed firsthand the countless moments of joy and support they bring, not only for residents but for staff and visiting families as well.

We invite you to drop by any of our Anthem communities and ask us about our animal-assisted therapy programs. We’re always happy to share our experiences and insights. And, by the way, don’t be surprised if you meet a therapy animal or two while you’re there.

(Our header photo shows a resident of Emerald Place Memory Care with the ever-delightful Bella, one of the residents’ favorite therapy dogs. Her smile says it all!)

If someone asked you to explain dementia, what would you say? Would you share some facts? Or would you rely upon vague descriptions and hearsay? Despite how common dementia is, it remains widely misunderstood. Many people feel confident they know the basics, yet their understanding is often shaped by a mix of accurate information, lingering myths, and misleading assumptions.

The danger of these misconceptions is that they can cloud the judgment of families with a loved one showing signs of dementia. This may keep them from seeking evaluation and making clear, informed decisions about their care. And, they may miss the chance for early support and intervention, potentially lowering the quality of life for both the individual affected and those caring for them.

That’s why it is so important to have the facts on hand. Below are six common misconceptions, reframed with the facts families should know:

#1 Misconception: Even significant memory loss is just part of getting older.
Fact: Mild forgetfulness, like occasionally misplacing items or struggling to recall a name, can happen with age. However, persistent memory problems, confusion, or behavioral changes that disrupt daily routines are not typical aging. These signs may point to an emerging dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and should be assessed by a medical professional.

#2 Misconception: Dementia is inherited.
Fact: While rare familial forms exist, most dementia cases are not directly inherited. Having a close relative with dementia slightly increases your risk, however most cases are sporadic rather than passed directly from parent to child.

#3 Misconception: Dementia and Alzheimer’s mean the same thing.
Fact: Dementia is a general term describing a group of symptoms that affect thinking, memory, and communication. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

#4 Misconception: Dementia only affects the elderly.
Fact: While the likelihood of developing dementia rises with age (especially after 65) it is not limited to older adults. Early-onset dementia can occur in people in their 40s or 50s, and in rare cases, even earlier.

#5 Misconception: Having dementia robs one’s life of any joy or meaning.
Fact: Even though dementia is progressive, many individuals can continue to lead independent, fulfilling lives for years after diagnosis. With the right support, they can participate in activities, build new experiences, and maintain emotional connections.

#6 Misconception: There’s no point in getting tested, since there is no cure.
Fact: Although most dementias do not yet have a cure, early diagnosis allows access to treatments that may help manage symptoms and potentially slow progression. In addition, lifestyle adjustments such as staying physically active, eating well, and maintaining social connections can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being.

Families who understand dementia are better equipped to handle its challenges. With accurate information, they can recognize changes early, make informed decisions, and avoid the confusion that often comes with misinformation. For caregivers, this knowledge helps set realistic expectations, guides them toward the right support, and enables them to create a more comfortable and reassuring environment for their loved one.

While information doesn’t eliminate the difficulties of dementia, it makes the journey more manageable and far less overwhelming. We invite you and your family to connect with any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for additional information, insights, and resources. With years of experience supporting families impacted by dementia, our team is ready to answer your questions and provide the tools you need for the road ahead.

The women of Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado got the royal treatment in preparation for Mother’s Day. Honoring a lifetime of caring for their own families, the ladies were treated by staff to a day dedicated entirely to them, filled with personal care services, relaxation, and plenty of pampering.

The event, aptly named “Queen for a Day,” is a prelude to the community’s upcoming Mother’s Day Tea, where family members will gather to honor their moms. The celebration will include elegant trays of finger sandwiches, a variety of sweets, and a curated selection of teas.

The special event drew the attention of local Channel 9 News, who stopped by to capture the festivities and speak with both residents and staff. You can watch the full coverage here.

Residents at Liberty Place Memory Care in West Chester, Ohio enjoyed an unexpected (and delightful!) form of animal therapy --- lambs! The gentle creatures were brought in through an arrangement with Big Blue Firewood Farm in Kentucky.

Lambs, like other animals, bring instant love to residents, giving them the chance to interact up close with the sweet animals, creating moments of joy, connection, and comfort.

“It brightens their day in the moment, and every moment of joy is so special to them and their families,” shared Amy Snow, Engagement Director.

This special visit was featured on local Channel 12. Watch the full coverage to see the lambs, and residents, in action!

April brings us deeper into spring, with longer days and the promise of warmer months ahead. While many of our communities have seen their share of rain and stormy weather, there’s a growing sense of anticipation for sunnier days and more time spent outdoors.

With the change in season comes new opportunities for our residents to enjoy the simple pleasures of spring—morning walks, gardening, and relaxing in the courtyard or porch with a cup of coffee in the sunshine. These moments not only brighten the day but also support health and wellness.

Of course we needn’t add that our Anthem Memory Care communities remain as active as ever. Throughout April, residents have taken part in a variety of projects and outreach efforts, finding meaningful ways to connect, contribute, and give back, both inside and outside our communities.

Here are just a few highlights captured from this month:

Residents of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois didn’t miss the opportunity to share some of their favorite (and, yes, corniest) April Fool’s Day jokes.

Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California hosted their annual Easter egg hunt with their young friends from Cole Canyon Elementary School. These visits always bring lots of smiles and conversation. And what a great turnout!

Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee celebrated resident Virgie Jean Gasaway’s induction into the Century Club of East Tennessee. What a great opportunity it was to revisit Jean’s amazing life story!

At Liberty Place Memory Care, it’s time to “Play ball!” in West Chester, Ohio as they celebrate the beginning of baseball season with an adapted game of their own. Residents love to share their memories of the “good old days” of baseball.

Residents of Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois worked together to create and deliver Easter baskets for families supported by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage. It is a unique way to give back to the greater community and residents love the way it gives them a sense of purpose and meaning.

Residents of Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin recently put kindness into action by making homemade pet treats for the Milwaukee Humane Society. 

Potting was in full bloom at Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois. Rainy weather didn't stop residents from gathering inside around a big table to select seedlings and begin the process of planting and nurturing the fledgling plants.

How is your April going? Ready for warmer weather? We sure are! If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, now is a great time to start planning some outdoor activities and outings together. Walks, picnics with family, and quiet time reading in the backyard – all will bring plenty of physical and emotional health benefits to your loved one … and to you!

(Our header image shows how eager residents of Liberty Place Memory Care in West Chester, Ohio were to get outside and enjoy a walk through the VOA MetroPark. Grey skies didn’t keep them from having a truly enjoyable time connecting with nature and getting lots of fresh air!)

Residents at Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois joined with middle school students from Chicago Christian Schools/Oak Lawn Campus for an Earth Day celebration centered on connection, purpose, and a shared love of the outdoors.

The gathering brought students and residents together to tend the community garden, paint decorative rocks, and plant fresh flowers; all simple activities that carried deeper meaning for everyone involved.

The event was covered by Southwest Regional Publishing which you can read here.

Dwight and Pat Pope have been married for 65 years and were ready to celebrate, which is exactly what they did as Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas pulled out all the stops for a wonderful wedding vow renewal ceremony.

A wedding cake, delicious luncheon, music, dancing, and lots of memories were shared as well as their secrets for success and plenty of advice for married couples.

While many couples celebrate anniversaries with a renewal of their vows, when a partner has dementia, it is even more meaningful, rekindling emotional memories and reinforcing a sense of love, identity, and connection. This certainly is true for Pat and Dwight, along with their fellow residents and families who shared in this very special occasion.

The vow renewal ceremony was covered by KSHB Channel 41 which you can watch here.

It’s spring-cleaning season – that time of year when we shake off the winter dust, freshen up our spaces, and get things ready for warmer days ahead. For adult children of aging parents, it often turns into a bigger project, clearing out clutter, cleaning windows, and sorting through years of accumulated nicknacks and memorabilia.

When the living space belongs to a loved one who is living with dementia, spring cleaning takes on new meaning. Because what might look like harmless clutter, dust, and grime can create serious safety and health risks. Keeping things clean, simple, and organized can make a big difference.

Here are five tips for family caregivers to spring clean with an eye towards safety, health, and loving care:

1. Safeguard surfaces
   Clear off and clean kitchen counters. Left over crumbs and traces of spilled sauces or other food grime can collect bacteria. Make sure tables are carefully dusted to avoid air pollutants, and windows are clean to allow more sunlight (and vitamin D) to come through.
2. Create clear organization systems
   Store items in consistent places and avoid rearranging too often. Label drawers or cabinets with simple words or pictures to make finding things easier.
3. De-clutter for safety
   Check for tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, or cluttered rooms and hallways. Make sure frequently used areas (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen) are easy to move through. Remove unnecessary furniture and keep only what’s used regularly.
4. Clean out expired or unsafe items
   Go through the fridge, pantry, and medicine cabinets. Toss anything expired or potentially harmful, especially items that could be mistaken for something else.
5. Lock or secure risky items
   Cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and medications should be stored safely out of reach or in locked cabinets.

Consider, if possible, having your loved one help with the cleaning. Their participation in a purposeful activity will make them feel more empowered and included in decisions, such as which items add to the clutter and should be discarded or given away. Working together can also spark conversation and sharing of memories. And don’t try to do everything in one day. Small, gradual changes are less overwhelming for both you and your loved one.

After you’ve finished the project, top it off with some finishing touches. Bring in some freshly cut flowers or a plant. Replace an old coffee pot or worn-out pillows with new ones. Be sure to include your loved one in the decision.

Spring cleaning a home for someone with dementia isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about creating a fresh start with a space that feels safe, calm, and easy to navigate. Working together towards a thoughtful, thorough spring cleaning brings benefits to everyone. It will go a long way in making your loved one’s living spaces safer and more supportive, while still retaining the warmth and familiarity of the place they call “home”.  

Liberty Place Memory Care residents brought their love of baseball to life in West Chester, Ohio with a fun, adapted game alongside staff. Dressed in team colors, they took turns batting, running bases, and sharing plenty of laughs.

The event encouraged movement, connection, and plenty of moments of joy reminiscing about a the “good old days” of the sport so many residents have loved all their lives.

You can read more about Liberty Place’s fun season opener in Senior Living News.

Families of loved ones with dementia often feel confused and overwhelmed as they struggle to comprehend that memory lapses, unpredictable behaviors, and personality changes are not things that can be controlled; they are the result of physical damage to the brain’s neurons.

If you have a family member diagnosed with dementia, gaining deeper insight into the many changes to their brain related to dementia can help you more successfully make the transition from confusion and frustration to understanding and acceptance. By adjusting your perspective, you can adapt how you communicate and anticipate your loved one’s needs, while reducing your own stress levels.

What are these changes to the brain that occur with dementia?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes dementia as the destruction of neurons and the connections between them, resulting in brain shrinkage and declining cognitive function. This process is driven in part by the buildup of abnormal proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which interfere with communication between brain cells, trigger chronic inflammation, and disrupt healthy blood flow.

Key brain changes include:

• Widespread cell death and shrinkage: Significant loss of brain volume, especially in the hippocampus, a region critical for memory.
• Amyloid plaques: Sticky protein deposits that accumulate between neurons and block signals.
• Tau tangles: Twisted protein fibers inside cells that impair function and lead to cell death.
• Reduced blood flow: Vascular damage limits the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue.
• Chronic inflammation: Impaired immune responses in the brain contribute to ongoing tissue damage.

How does the progression of dementia impact these brain changes?

The Mayo Clinic describes damage to the brain as it relates to the stages of dementia summarized as follows:

• Early stages: Damage usually starts in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, leading to memory loss.
• Moderate stages: It spreads to the cerebral cortex, impacting language, reasoning, and behavior.
• Advanced stages: Extensive damage to neurons leads to loss of recognition, communication difficulties, and complete dependence on others for care.

Of course, understanding the clinical aspects of dementia is one thing; the real challenge lies in absorbing those changes and adapting to them over time. It’s natural to misinterpret or take personally the behaviors of a loved one with dementia, especially when this is someone you have known so well and who has long been an integral part of your life. Adjusting how you interpret these changes, and how you respond to them, takes time and intention.

Be patient—with yourself, your loved one, and your entire family. You are all navigating unfamiliar territory. It may help to work with a therapist who specializes in dementia, or to join a dementia support group where you can share your experiences and connect with others in similar situations.

Above all, remember that your loved one did not choose dementia. They did not choose memory loss or behavioral changes. These shifts are not anyone’s fault. They are the result of a complex brain disease. Gaining a clearer understanding of what is happening in the brain at each stage can ease frustration, reduce stress, and help you respond with greater patience and compassion. In turn, this understanding will profoundly shape how you and your family experience this challenging journey together.

Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee recently honored resident Virgie Jean Gasaway on her 100th birthday with an induction into the Century Club of East Tennessee.

Married for more than 70 years, Mrs. Gasaway built a life defined by family, resilience, and a strong work ethic, raising a son with her husband while working as a bookkeeper at Sears and later in military administration.

A lifelong reader and devoted woman of faith, she is known for her kindness, curiosity, and love of simple pleasures like sewing, gardening, and cooking. She credits her longevity to staying engaged, maintaining good oral hygiene, and never giving up her love of reading.

This beautiful story was covered in an article in Knox TN Today, which you can read here.

Residents of Franklin Place Memory Care recently put kindness into action by making homemade pet treats for the Milwaukee Humane Society. Their efforts not only supported local animals but also gave them the chance to spend time with some friendly furry companions, proving that even small gestures can make a meaningful difference.

“Many of our residents are lifelong animal lovers and creating treats gives them purpose and a meaningful way to continue making a difference,” said Tiffany McClain, Life Engagement Director. “Sharing kindness with shelter pets brings our elders so much joy.”

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

Residents of Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois worked together to create and deliver Easter baskets for families supported by Metropolitan Family Services DuPage. What began as a seasonal activity grew into a meaningful outreach effort, with residents gathering donated items and thoughtfully assembling each basket.

The baskets brought joy and comfort to so many people, including grandparents raising their grandchildren and children living in shelters. What a wonderful way to give back and help brighten Easter for families facing challenging circumstances.

The special project was covered in an article in the Daily Herald, which you can read here.

April is National Gardening Month. However, avid gardeners will tell you it is a yearlong activity, planting, pruning, cultivating and finally enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and you will notice our large outdoor planters, full of an array of fledgling vegetable and flowering plants. They include, among other things, tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers to add to residents’ meals in the months to come, along with plenty of pretty flowers to cut for the tables.

Residents love getting outside and working with the soil, many having gardened all their lives. They go about their work while chatting with fellow residents and sharing their gardening tips, along with past successes and challenges.

So what is it about gardening that brings a sense of purpose and calm for individuals living with dementia?

Clearly, it provides unique therapeutic value in the form of a wide range of benefits, including the following:

1. Physical Activity and Motor Function
   Working in a garden encourages gentle, functional movement that supports strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance, possibly helping to reduce the risk of falls. Sunny days bring a natural form of vitamin D to help keep bones strong. The act of planting and pruning also helps maintain fine motor skills.
2. Cognitive Engagement and Memory Activation
   Gardening outdoors brings in plenty of oxygen to the brain, which can help optimize cognition. It naturally stimulates the mind through sensory experiences like scents, textures, and colors. These elements can help improve focus and attention while also prompting meaningful memories, especially those tied to earlier life experiences or familiar routines.
3. Emotional and Psychological Support
   Spending time in the garden creates a calming, almost meditative experience for many individuals that helps ease stress and anxiety. The act of caring for plants fosters a sense of purpose and achievement, which can enhance mood and overall quality of life while reducing agitation and other behavioral challenges.
4. Opportunities for Social Connection
   Gardening in shared or group settings provides a relaxed environment for interaction. This can make communication feel more natural and less demanding, helping individuals stay socially engaged even if verbal communication becomes more difficult.
5. Support for Daily Functioning
   Consistent involvement in gardening activities has been linked to reduced restlessness and agitation. In some cases, it may even help decrease dependence on certain medications while promoting a more stable daily routine.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, even if they have never enjoyed gardening, try introducing it in small steps. For those with mobility challenges you might consider a raised garden planter or set up a tabletop with some soil, pots, and seedlings for them to plant. Keep them in a place where they can be easily watered and observed. You will find that this meaningful, peaceful act of caring for the plants will do wonders for your loved one’s sense of purpose and connection to those around them.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe that incorporating gardening into care routines can enhance overall quality of life while supporting both independence and emotional wellbeing for our residents.

We invite you to visit any of our communities and ask about our gardening activities. We’d love an opportunity to show you around and learn more about you and your family and how we might be of help.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, March has been a month filled with anticipation for spring, bringing a renewed sense of energy and connection. As we welcomed the changing season, residents embraced opportunities to celebrate the end of cold, snowy, windy days and the transition into brighter, warmer times ahead.

Throughout the month, our communities engaged in a variety of meaningful and purposeful activities. From community outreach projects that foster connection and a sense of giving, to enjoyable outings and simple, heartfelt moments of joy, each experience was designed to enrich daily life and create lasting memories.

Here are just a few of the projects and activities our residents have enjoyed together this month.

Morningside Place Memory Care (Overland Park, Kansas) held a special bake sale, inviting the greater community in for a variety of delicious, homemade cookies, baked by the residents, along with fresh lemonade.

Retired nurse and resident of Willowbrook Place Memory Care (Littleton, Colorado) conducted a class for fellow residents on health and wellness. So many residents have special skills and talents. Our communities make sure that they can continue to enjoy and share them with others.

Grace Point Place Memory Care (Oak Lawn, Illinois) residents love the visits from the local Girl Scout troop. Many wonderful friendships have formed as a result. These visits always bring connection and joy.

Pi Day was March 14th (in case you didn’t know) giving the resident bakers of Liberty Place Memory Care (West Chester, Ohio) a welcome excuse to get busy making one of their favorite desserts … pie, of course!

Franklin Place Memory Care Franklin, Wisconsin) residents love to give back to their favorite local dog shelter. This time it was in the form of homemade peanut butter dog treats. What a great feeling, especially for the dog-loving residents … and there are many!

Willow Springs Memory Care (Redding, California) welcomed Taffy, the miniature therapy horse for a drop in visit. These gentle animals never fail to connect and engage with residents, bringing a natural form of therapy which includes lots of smiles and laughter.

Clear Creek Memory Care (Fayetteville, Arkansas) resident and former Arkansas Razorback star, Bill Burnett, sat down to chat with a reporter for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. His is an amazing story. Read more about it here.

Residents at Vineyard Place Memory Care (Murrieta, California) gathered together with students from Temescal Canyon High School this week, dancing to their favorite tunes at their 3rd annual Senior Prom.

As we all look forward to longer, warmer days, we welcome you to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and experience, firsthand, our amazing residents and staff. We’ll be happy to share our own stories and answer your questions. Please feel free to drop in. We’d love to learn more about you and your family and stand ready to help you with the journey ahead.

(March always brings some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and we hope you enjoy our header image of residents of Highline Place Memory Care (Littleton, Colorado) wearing their Irish green in style!)