The holiday season will be here before you know it. For most, it is a time filled with gatherings of friends and families, celebrating special traditions. But for those caring for a loved one with dementia, this time of year brings unique challenges, and plenty of concerns.

Balancing holiday festivities with the ongoing demands of caregiving can quickly become overwhelming. The increased activity, social expectations, and changes in routine can add to the pressure, often creating tension during what should be a joyful time.

If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone.

We hear often from family caregivers who tell us that the holidays they used to love now feel overwhelming and emotionally draining. We understand. Many of our own team members have cared for loved ones with dementia in their own families and know how challenging the holidays can be. That’s why it is so important for family caregivers to take steps to care for their own well-being. Because not doing so can take a significant emotional and physical toll. And it can quickly lead to a very real health condition, referred to as caregiver burnout.

What is caregiver burnout?

The Cleveland Clinic offers some valuable insights into caregiver burnout. Their studies show that while it may impact everyone differently, common signs of caregiver burnout include feeling constantly tired, stressed, anxious, withdrawn, or even depressed. Over time, the effects can extend beyond emotional well-being, impacting physical health, finances, and social life.

The good news is that there are practical steps family caregivers can take to reduce stress and help prevent burnout, especially during the hectic holiday season.

Here are seven helpful tips to help you better navigate your own health and wellbeing:

1. Let go of perfection. Give yourself permission to lower expectations and scale back. Focus on what truly matters and skip the activities that don’t bring you joy. It’s okay to say “no”, and it’s okay to let others handle the baking, decorating, or shopping.
2. Ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone. Let your trusted friends or family members know you need support. Whether it's covering for you for an afternoon or helping with errands, even small breaks can make a big difference.
3. Carve out peaceful moments. These can be in the form of meditation, yoga, or simply sitting still for five minutes with your eyes closed. Even a few peaceful moments can restore your sense of equilibrium and steady your nerves.
4. Make room for laughter. Laughter is a surprisingly powerful antidote to caregiver burnout. While it may not always come easily, seeking out moments that make you smile, even small ones, can lighten your load. A genuine laugh can offer instant relief and help restore your sense of balance.
5. Prioritize rest. Sleep is essential to recharge both your body and mind. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, and don’t underestimate the power of short naps or quiet downtime.
6. Eat nourishing meals. Fuel your body with balanced, healthy foods to maintain your energy and strengthen your immune system, especially during a busy season.
7. Move your body. Even a short walk or light stretching can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and improve overall well-being.

These steps may seem simple but they’re often the first things caregivers overlook. Don’t underestimate their value! Small changes can have a powerful impact on your well-being.

Start each day by checking in with yourself:
“Am I taking on too much right now?”
“What can I do today to improve my sleep tonight?”
“Who can I ask for support so I can take a break this week?”

Caring for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you prioritize your own well-being, you become a stronger, more present caregiver. Give yourself the same compassion and care you so generously offer your loved one. It truly makes all the difference and will help you reclaim the holiday spirit your family has always loved.

Finally, don’t forget to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Ask us about our respite care programs and our dementia support groups. We are always here to answer your questions and provide resources to make the holidays less stressful and more joyful for you and your family.

Residents of Willow Springs Memory Care in Redding, California recently got together to assemble care bags for Nor-Cal Think Pink, a community effort to promote breast cancer awareness.

“Everyone knows someone that has been affected by breast cancer, and our residents wanted to do their part to help support a great cause,” Jessica Moore, life engagement director, told reporters from local Action News Now, which covered the event.

Engaging in causes like Think Pink not only supports a great cause, it also provides residents living with dementia a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and the joy that comes from giving back!

You can read the full Action News Now story here.

Elementary students from Rawdah Academy recently brought creativity and color to Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois as part of a special intergenerational event to welcome the fall season.

Armed with beautiful flowers and sidewalk chalk, the young artists spent the day decorating the community’s walkways, brightening the space and lifting spirits with their cheerful artwork and energy.

The event was covered in the Daily Herald and you can read the full story here.

Residents of Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois recently enjoyed a visit with the wonderful staff at Memory Lane Stables, who encouraged them to interact with a variety of farm animals. Residents were able to pet and groom the horses, hold baby goats, and observe chickens, all within a calm and restorative natural setting.

Experiences like these bring benefits that extend beyond simple enjoyment. Meaningful interactions with animals has been shown to reduce anxiety, enhance mood, and encourage social connection among individuals living with dementia. The tactile and sensory aspects of these encounters offer emotional reassurance and can help evoke comforting and familiar memories.

The event was covered by the local SRP news. You can read the full article here.

For families with a loved one diagnosed with dementia, exploring memory care communities is an important step in planning for their ongoing well-being and quality of life, especially as their dementia progresses. These communities are thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where residents can thrive, surrounded by compassionate professionals who understand the unique needs of those living with memory loss.

Life Engagement Directors are at the heart of all of Anthem Memory Care's communities – dedicated team members who play a central role in creating meaningful daily experiences for residents. And their work goes far beyond scheduling activities. These dedicated individuals are experts in building connections, fostering a sense of purpose, and helping each resident feel seen, heard, valued, and engaged.

So, what exactly do life engagement directors do, and why are they so essential? Their responsibilities span a wide range of personalized and impactful efforts, including:

• Activity planning and coordination: Design and oversee a vibrant schedule of daily, weekly, and monthly programs, including fitness, games, arts and crafts, music, and other engaging experiences.
• Personalized engagement: Tailor activities to each resident’s unique life story, interests, abilities, and preferences, ensuring every experience feels meaningful and personal.
• Emotional and cognitive enrichment: Create programs that stimulate the mind, lift spirits, and offer emotional comfort, helping to reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, and promote overall well-being.
• Therapeutic and cognitive stimulating activities: Lead specialized therapy sessions in areas including music and art, as well as memory-boosting experiences such as puzzles, photo sharing and recipe preparation, to interact, engage, and spark memories.
• Social connection and community building: Foster a sense of belonging by encouraging interaction among residents and facilitating meaningful connections with peers and family members.
• Structured routines for comfort and stability: Maintain consistent daily schedules that offer the comfort of routines, which helps to reduce confusion and provides residents with a sense of security.
• Compassionate relationship building: Approach every interaction with empathy and patience, creating trust and supporting residents in reconnecting with their sense of identity and dignity.
• Health monitoring and team communication: Stay attentive to residents’ behavioral or emotional changes and promptly share observations with nurses and care team members to ensure coordinated support.

At Anthem Memory Care, we’re proud to have some of the best life engagement directors in the industry. Their passion for enhancing the social and emotional well-being of our residents is evident in everything they do.

We invite you and your family to visit any of our Anthem communities. Take a walk through our spaces, meet our teams, and see firsthand what daily life looks like for our residents. Be sure to speak with the life engagement director. If they're leading a group activity, feel free to stop by and watch them in action.

We're always happy to answer your questions, share more about our programs, and provide helpful resources as you explore care options. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Families caring for a loved one with dementia often put their full concentration on preserving cognitive function, seeking ways to support memory, awareness, and mental sharpness. Yet, physical health is just as critical. Good physical health promotes better sleep, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, and supports heart and brain function, all of which contribute to overall quality of life.

Breaking this down in greater detail, here are some of the benefits individuals with dementia will gain through a lifestyle that emphasizes physical as well as cognitive health:

• Greater strength, balance, endurance, and mobility. Movement and exercise builds muscle strength and maintains joint flexibility, making it easier to perform daily tasks such as walking, dressing, or reaching for objects. This not only supports physical independence but also encourages continued engagement in meaningful activities. Being in better physical condition also helps guard against falls, a significant concern for older adults and those living with dementia.
• Better quality sleep. Improved physical health has been shown to promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Good sleep is essential not only for energy and mood but also for supporting memory and overall brain health.
• Support for cognition and emotional well-being. Good physical health improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help slow cognitive decline. It is also linked to better mood, less anxiety or depression, and fewer behavioral challenges such as agitation or restlessness.
• Enhanced overall health. Optimizing physical health plays a vital role in long-term wellness. It helps maintain heart health, supports healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, assists with weight management, and boosts energy levels, contributing to improved quality of life.

As you can see from the above, optimizing physical health offers a variety of benefits that support both their body and overall well-being. And it is equally important to note that improving physical health can also help optimize cognition, improve mood, and minimize behavioral issues.

How can family caregivers better support the physical health of a loved one with dementia? The following strategies can serve as a helpful starting point:

• Keep regular doctor visits. Ongoing medical appointments are vital for monitoring both cognitive and physical health. Regular checkups allow healthcare providers to track disease progression, adjust treatment plans as needed, and identify new health issues early. These visits also give family caregivers an opportunity to ask questions, share observations, and receive guidance on managing changing needs.
• Stay on top of medications. Individuals with dementia often take multiple medications to manage symptoms and related health conditions. Proper medication management helps ensure treatments are effective, reduces the risk of missed doses or overdosing, and minimizes harmful side effects or interactions. Family caregivers play an important role in creating routines or using tools such as pill organizers to maintain consistency and safety.
• Promote healthy nutrition. A balanced diet supports overall health, strengthens the immune system, and helps manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. For people with dementia, good nutrition also contributes to stable energy levels, improved mood, and better brain function. Family caregivers can provide extra support by preparing meals that are easy to eat, encouraging hydration, and making adjustments for changing appetite or swallowing difficulties.
• Create an exercise program. Even short sessions of 20–30 minutes a few times per week can make a meaningful difference in overall health and well-being. Walking, dancing, swimming, gardening, or gentle stretching are all great options that can keep exercise engaging and sustainable. It’s important to consult your loved one’s healthcare provider to develop an exercise plan that is safe and adapted to their unique needs and abilities.

Supporting a loved one with dementia means caring for both mind and body. By giving physical health the same attention as cognitive well-being through regular activity, nutritious meals, and consistent medical checkups families can help their loved ones maintain comfort, vitality, and a better quality of life.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, residents enjoy regular fitness classes and tailored activities designed to match their individual needs and abilities. We invite you to visit and learn for yourself how we help every resident stay active, healthy, and engaged each day.

One of the most challenging situations for families caring for a loved one with dementia is managing episodes of agitation and aggressive behavior. Caregivers are somehow expected to not only comfort and calm their loved one, but also to steady their own emotions. It is a task that can feel overwhelming, especially when stress and worry are running high.

What can help is to first recognize that agitation is a common and expected symptom of dementia. It often shows up as restlessness, pacing, irritability, or sudden bursts of anger or aggression. If you’re caring for a loved one who becomes agitated, you already know how deeply these moments can affect the quality of day-to-day life for both of you. Understanding the nature of agitation is the first step toward finding practical ways to ease it and protect your own well-being as a caregiver.

What factors might be driving heightened agitation in an individual with dementia?

The answer is often complex because a range of influences can play a role. Research shows that agitation in individuals with dementia or other cognitive conditions often arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Key factors include:

• Neurochemical changes: Imbalances or disruptions in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine can heighten irritability and emotional reactivity.
• Cognitive decline: Damage to brain areas that manage decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation may lead to impulsive or inappropriate behaviors.
• Environmental triggers: Sudden noises, unfamiliar surroundings, crowded spaces, or even subtle changes in daily routine can provoke stress and agitation.
• Unmet needs: Physical discomfort (like pain, hunger, or fatigue) or emotional needs (such as loneliness, anxiety, or boredom) often manifest as restlessness or agitation.
• Health-related factors: Infections, side effects of medications, dehydration, or other untreated medical issues can also contribute.

Understanding these overlapping causes can help caregivers identify potential triggers and respond with empathy and appropriate interventions.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published some tips for family caregivers to help mitigate the negative impact of the above factors and keep their loved one more relaxed and secure. We’ve paraphrased and summarized five tips below:

1. Remain composed. Try to be patient and keep your voice calm. Listen carefully to your loved one’s concerns and avoid arguing. Offer reassurance that they are safe and that you are there to help. A gentle touch or other nonverbal cues can often be more soothing than words.
2. Manage your own stress. If you feel yourself getting upset, pause, take slow deep breaths, and count to ten before responding.
3. Create a peaceful environment. Maintain a consistent daily routine for bathing, dressing, and meals. Reduce noise and clutter, play soft music, and display familiar objects and favorite photos. Let in natural daylight whenever possible and be mindful that your own tension can increase their anxiety, so move at a relaxed pace.
4. Offer positive distractions. Redirect attention to a pleasant activity or object. Share a snack or drink, watch a favorite TV show, listen to music, take a short walk, read together, or involve them in a simple task such as folding laundry.
5. Ensure safety. Secure or hide car keys and any potentially dangerous items, including firearms and sharp kitchen tools. If aggression occurs, keep a safe distance until the behavior passes. If aggressive episodes worsen, consult a doctor about possible treatments. In an emergency, call 911 and let responders know your loved one has dementia.

We also encourage you to watch a recent Anthem Memory Care webinar focusing on managing behavioral challenges, conducted by dementia expert, Dr. Tam Cummings. You can watch the video here.

Caring for someone you love during moments of agitation and aggression is never easy. We know how exhausting and overwhelming it can feel to comfort and reassure them when you’re carrying your own stress, fatigue, or worry. It’s natural to feel stretched thin, and those feelings don’t mean you care any less. They simply mean you’re human. Remember to give yourself permission to pause, take a breath, and seek support when you need it. Caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for your loved one.

Bringing these approaches together creates a calm, supportive atmosphere where both you and your loved one can feel more secure. By staying patient, reducing stressors, offering gentle reassurance, and keeping safety a priority, you not only help ease moments of agitation but also nurture a sense of trust and comfort. Remember, small, consistent actions, your steady presence, a soothing environment, and compassionate communication can make a meaningful difference in your loved one’s well-being and in your own peace of mind. And, remember, we’re here to help! Many of our caregivers and administrators have experienced the challenges of family caregiving themselves and will be happy to share some insights and tips with you.

As an individual ages, managing medications can become tedious and confusing. Some pills must be taken multiple times a day, others once daily or even weekly. Staying organized and avoiding missed or mixed doses requires real focus.

Now imagine the challenge of organizing multiple medications for someone living with dementia. It is far greater. Because, as the disease progresses, tracking multiple prescriptions grows increasingly more prone to errors. And even a minor mistake can quickly become dangerous.

Here are a few of the most common risks that can occur when medication management breaks down:

• Missed doses: Skipping medications can worsen chronic conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease, sometimes triggering agitation or even hospitalization.
• Overdoses: Forgetting a dose was already taken and taking it again can cause serious side effects, potentially leading to organ damage. This can be especially dangerous with blood thinners, sedatives, or similar drugs.
• Dosage mix-ups: Taking the wrong pill or taking it at the wrong time can lead to harmful drug interactions and intensified side effects.

How can family caregivers help avoid the pitfalls of medication errors? We’ve summarized seven tips from the Alzheimer’s Association to help:

1. Organize medications. Use a clearly labeled pillbox or keep a daily checklist or calendar to confirm each dose is taken as prescribed.
2. Create a consistent schedule. Ask your loved one’s pharmacist when and how each medication should be taken, including time of day, with or without food, and so on. Then link it to a routine like meals or bedtime.
3. Give clear, simple instructions. For example: “Here’s your blood-pressure pill, mom. Put it in your mouth. Now drink some water.”
4. Pause if there’s resistance. If your loved one refuses a dose, wait and try again.
5. Address swallowing issues. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist about liquid versions of medications or whether a pill can be safely crushed and mixed with food. Never do this without professional guidance.
6. Prioritize safety. Store medications in a locked cabinet and discard anything expired or unused.
7. Keep emergency contacts handy. Post numbers for poison control and local emergency services where they’re easy to find, such as on the refrigerator. Be sure to call immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Effectively, managing medications for a loved one with dementia is indeed challenging, but it is critical to maintaining their health and wellbeing. Taking the time to organize the process will help you gain more control and confidence going forward.  

Our Anthem Memory Care communities utilize the latest technologies and regimens to help ensure that medications are organized and efficiently administered to our residents. We welcome you to reach out to any of our communities for tips and resources. We’re always here to help!  

Families with loved ones living with dementia often find themselves struggling to find a meaningful path forward that doesn’t isolate their loved one from the family dynamics. They work to include their loved one in family visits and events, knowing that it is beneficial to their loved one’s cognitive and emotional health. What they often don’t recognize, however, is something even more powerful – the benefits these interactions bring to the entire family.

We hear often from family members who come away from a get-together that includes their loved one with dementia pleasantly surprised that they feel less stressed and more connected with each other than ever before. And we know this is true because we’ve witnessed it ourselves. At our Anthem communities, we have seen firsthand the magic of family interactions every day. We love observing how they bring smiles and laughter, uplift spirits, strengthen bonds, and bring comfort to the entire family.

Here is how family interactions with a loved one living with dementia can benefit your entire family:

• Shared Strength in the Journey. Every conversation, every family get-together reinforces a sense of sharing the experience as a family. Walking the care journey together fosters unity, resilience, and a sense of support as families face challenges side by side.
• Stronger Relationships. When families can focus on simply spending time together and conversing about things other than caregiving, their moments together feel more meaningful and connected. Regular family interactions also keep family members more attuned on a regular basis to their loved one’s condition, which can lead to better cooperation and support for one another.
• Less Stress and Anxiety. Family interactions that include the loved one with dementia can help family members feel less anxious, bringing opportunities to enjoy the interactions just as family members. The more frequent these interactions are, the more connected each family member is. That can help relieve the stress caused by the fear of the unknown and future and keep everyone tuned into the present.
• Better Overall Health. Concerns about ongoing care for a loved one with dementia, especially as the disease progresses can take a physical toll on family members, leading to high blood pressure, fatigue, and other health issues. Positive family interactions that include the loved one with dementia can ease emotional strain and, in turn, support better overall health for everyone.

It isn’t hard to see how the benefits of family interactions with their loved ones living with dementia go both ways to provide a deeper, more meaningful connection for all family members. And it is a connection that goes far beyond a smile or hug to provide significant emotional and physical benefits.

At Anthem Memory Care, we love bringing families together. From special dinners to meaningful activities, we create opportunities for loved ones to connect and share time together. Families are not just visitors, they’re valued partners in care, and their presence is always welcomed, whether joining a program, an outing, or simply stopping by to say hello.

We invite you to reach out to any of our communities or just drop in for a visit. You’ll likely find other families spending time with their loved ones too, because here, community means supporting one another every step of the way.

(Don’t you love our header image? This lovely impromptu family photo was taken at a recent Porter Place Memory Care Family Night event in Tinley Park, Illinois.)

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to come together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s about shining a light on the challenges, but also on the importance of early detection, brain health, and the support families need along the way.

Spearheaded by Alzheimer’s Disease International, this worldwide campaign encourages communities, organizations, and families to stand together by breaking down stigma, sharing the latest research and resources, and showing caregivers they’re not alone.

First, a quick brush up on some Alzheimer’s facts, courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Research Association:

1. An estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. The U.S. has 77.5 million Baby Boomers, many of whom are just reaching age 65.
3. Research predicts that 10 million Baby Boomers will eventually develop Alzheimer’s.
4. That means one in eight Baby Boomers is expected to be affected.
5. By 2050, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s could climb to 16 million.
6. Each year, doctors diagnose approximately one million new cases.
7. Currently, every 69 seconds someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s. By 2050, it will be every 33 seconds.
8. Alzheimer’s is now the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
9. Each year, Alzheimer’s claims the lives of about 80,000 Americans.
10. Among the nation’s top ten leading causes of death, Alzheimer’s is the only one with no cure, no prevention, and no effective treatment.

How is Alzheimer’s research conducted?

Most Alzheimer’s research starts in the lab, where scientists study cells and animals to better understand how the disease develops and to test possible treatments. Promising ideas then move into clinical trials with people, where researchers test new medications, brain scans, blood tests, and non-drug approaches like diet, exercise, and brain training.

In addition to treatments, researchers are also focused on prevention, improving support for caregivers and families, and using tools like artificial intelligence to spot early warning signs, such as changes in speech and memory.

What can family members do to support the caregivers in their lives? Here are just a few small things that can have a big impact:

• Help out with household tasks.
• Offer to run errands for them.
• Pitch in with gardening or yard work.
• Cook a meal and drop it off.
• Do a load of laundry.
• Pick up groceries or prescriptions.
• Step in so they can take a break.
• Provide an empathetic ear.

Finally, and most importantly, here are some resources to learn more about Alzheimer’s and find tools to help you in your caregiver’s journey.

General information:

• Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease, hear from people who have the disease, and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others: https://training.alz.org/products/4062/10-warning-signs-of-alzheimers
• Learn the difference between Alzheimer’s and other dementias, along with the stages and risk factors: https://training.alz.org/products/4053/understanding-alzheimers-and-dementia

National organizations

• Alzheimers.gov: https://www.alzheimers.gov/
• Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/
• Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA): https://alzfdn.org/
• National Institute on Aging (NIA): https://www.nia.nih.gov/ 

Caregiver resources

• Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
• AARP Caregiving: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
• Caregiver Action Network (CAN): https://www.caregiveraction.org/ 

Specific resources for related dementias

• Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA): https://www.lbda.org/
• The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/ 

We invite you to download our special guide, “Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s” to help you better understand the stages of Alzheimer’s, so that you and your family can move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

You can also visit our Anthem Memory Care Resources page for more links and informative videos.

World Alzheimer’s Month may get attention, but it’s up to all of us to keep the focus year round.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we encourage families to learn more about Alzheimer’s, support research, and join with others to speak up for early diagnosis and understanding. By learning the signs and risk factors, joining community events, helping raise funds, and sharing your own experiences, you and your family can play a big role in reducing stigma and building a more caring and informed community.

Please feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more information and resources. We want you to know that you are not on this journey alone. We are here to help!

While summer continues well into September, for most of us, the end of August marks the end of the more relaxed pace of summer we’ve been enjoying. For most of us, it’s either back to school or back from vacation and back to work.

For our Anthem Memory Care communities, however, the end of August marks a great opportunity to look back at all the amazing projects and activities we’ve engaged in over the summer and look forward to many more to come.

We’ve had a lot of fun as well as engaging in plenty of purposeful activities, giving back to the greater community and contributing to an assortment of worthy causes. And then there were our summer events – families as well as others in the community came to participate and celebrate. And our outings – wonderful summer excursions to keep residents engaged and connected to the world outside.

Here are just a few of the many special activities that have brought moments of joy to our residents, families, and staff:

Liberty Place Memory Care resident watches over a young student as he casts his line during a recent fishing trip in West Chester, Ohio.

Vineyard Place Memory Care’s annual Luau never fails to get everyone involved in Hawaiian dancing, food, music and fun.

Many of our communities reached out to help support those impacted by the Texas floods. Here Greenridge Place Memory Care residents in Westminster, Colorado write personal notes for the families of victims.

Churchill Place residents took advantage of a hot summer day in Glen Ellyn, Illinois to indulge in their favorite icy cold treat – Frosties!  

Savoy Place residents love it when the miniature horses drop by for a visit to their Savoy, Illinois community. This smiling horse lover says it all!

Greenridge Place residents wander down the center walkway surrounded by gorgeous plants and lots of butterflies at the Westminster, Colorado Butterfly Pavilion.

Emerald Place held a very special wedding vow renewal ceremony with lots of smiles and a few tears. Pictured here are Ann and Barrett Feeney.

And summer brings plenty of opportunities to spruce up the outdoor patio area. Here Willowbrook Place residents and lifelong woodworkers put their skills to work refinishing the patio chairs.

Chelsea Place residents support their favorite Little League team in Aurora, Colorado.

Grace Point Place outdoor concerts in Oak Lawn, Illinois always draw a crowd. Lots of great music, dancing, and memories sparked!

Along with all our communities, Churchill Place residents get involved every year in efforts to raise money to help fight Alzheimer’s disease. This was taken at their Longest Day fundraiser.

Even though their bike riding days may be over, that doesn’t residents can’t still get the thrill of moving through a park and catching a cool summer breeze. Highline Place rickshaw bike riders had a blast riding out through their local park in Littleton, Colorado.

Porter Place held several family dinners in Tinley Park, Illinois throughout the summer. These events are always lots of fun and a great opportunity for families to get to know each other.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, projects, events and activities are always ongoing. We believe that individuals with dementia deserve to continue to live their best lives and explore and engage in unique new experiences. It helps to keep their days fresh and more meaningful.

We invite you and your family to visit any of our communities and ask us to share our event and activity calendars with you. We will be happy to answer your questions and to provide resources to help you and your loved ones navigate the journey ahead.

(Our header image shows one of Highline Place’s favorite events: Fourth of July!)

Residents of Morningside Place Memory Care lit up the Overland Park Farmer’s Market with a spontaneous “flash mob” dance to the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. Shoppers were treated to a joyful surprise as residents and staff drew smiles, applause, and even a few dancers from the crowd who couldn’t resist joining in.

Jessica Johnson, life engagement director at Morningside Place, shared, “Living with Alzheimer’s means finding new ways to connect and thrive. We’re here to show that even in the face of memory loss, there’s still room for fun, laughter, and meaningful moments for our residents.”

The celebration caught the attention of local KSHB-TV. You can watch the full coverage here.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, families feel as though their world has been turned upside down. A mix of overwhelming emotions fills their days and nights as they attempt to grasp the enormity of the journey ahead. Everyday routines and joyful moments are frequently set aside, overpowered by the weight of the diagnosis. And opportunities to smile and laugh pass by, seemingly having disappeared completely.

With time, however, most caregivers find their sense of humor slowly returning. And it’s a blessing because in the face of dementia, humor is a powerful ally, for both those living with dementia and those who care for them. While at first it may seem almost counterintuitive, it is not. It is part of nature’s way to release pressure and help the brain and body restore a sense of equilibrium.

Humor alleviates stress and anxiety while providing measurable health benefits.

In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, humor brings additional physiological and psychological benefits. Leading organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and AARP, have published findings on research conducted on the therapeutic value of humor for both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. The evidence highlights several key benefits summarized below:

For the individual with dementia:

• Lifts mood & boost brain function: Laughter releases chemicals called endorphins that can ease anxiety, reduce depression, and may even temporarily support cognitive function.
• Eases agitation: Humor therapy can calm restlessness and has been found at times to be as effective as anti-anxiety medications, but without side effects.
• Fosters connection: Humor can help bridge communication gaps, making it easier to engage with loved ones. Those moments can, in turn, help reduce feelings of isolation.
• Adds meaning & dignity: Sharing a moment of positive, inclusive humor can enhance purpose, safety, and self-worth.

For the caregiver:

• Reduces stress & burnout: Laughter offers relief from caregiving’s challenging daily demands.
• Supports physical health: Moments of humor can strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, and release tension.
• Builds resilience: Humor brings greater emotional strength to caregivers, helping to maintain a positive outlook.
• Strengthens bonds: Shared laughter deepens relationships, even in later stages of dementia when words are hard to find.

Finding your sense of humor is powerful therapy, especially on the toughest days.

Humor, after all, is part of our human experience. It not only lifts spirits by releasing endorphins and reducing anxiety, but it also has a way of reaching out and engaging those around us.

Of course, there will be days when even a smile feels out of reach. As with all aspects of caregiving, it is important not to place unrealistic expectations on yourself or your loved one. In time, it will return. One day, a funny memory, a silly offhand remark, an old TV show, a photograph, or something totally unexpected will spark a smile and a chuckle. Caregivers often tell us that a simple moment of joyful laughter helps them not only get through the day, but tackle whatever the next one brings.

In closing, don’t forget to reach out for help. In addition to accepting support from family and friends, we urge you to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We’ll provide information about our dementia support groups and our respite care programs for your loved one. We will also be happy to answer your questions and provide you and your family with useful resources to guide you on your caregiving journey.

Concord Place Memory Care residents got their Elvis vibe going, and for a couple of hours it felt like Elvis really was “in the building” once again! Dancing to Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and other Elvis hits, residents and staff celebrated Elvis Week with their own Elvis Palooza event, marking the 48th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing. A visiting Elvis impersonator made the event even more fun.

“Music has the power to evoke cherished memories, and dancing provides meaningful opportunities for social connection,” said Lorie Ann Wilson, Life Engagement Director at Concord Place. “Our residents are visibly uplifted when they hear their favorite music, experiencing genuine joy.”

The event was covered in the Knoxville Patch. You can read the full article here.

By the time your loved one enters the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, its impact is well established, having long since altered not only their own life, but that of your family and friends. It is a continuing journey characterized by a great deal of emotional ups and downs taking an enormous emotional and physical toll on all family members, but especially those who have taken on the role of caregiver.

Dr. Barry Reisberg, Director of the Fisher Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Research program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine has identified the seven stages of dementia. The last, Stage 7, is described as “very severe cognitive decline”. It represents the final leg of the journey, at which point an individual has lost most of their ability to function, both cognitively and physically. It can be characterized by the following:

• Bedridden and wheelchair bound.
• Totally reliant on others for care.
• Difficulty eating and swallowing.
• Loss of language, only sounds.
• Bladder and bowel incontinence.
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections and falls.
• Increased skin issues and wound risk.
• Aspiration and choking risk increases. May lead to pneumonia.

Stage 7 can last anywhere from weeks to a year or more. If this is the stage your loved one is experiencing, you know that they are now requiring round-the-clock care. Many families will have already transitioned their loved ones into an environment where they can be cared for by licensed memory care professionals who have developed expert hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how to meet the wide range of challenges presented at each stage of Alzheimer’s.

All families and caregivers will be greatly benefitted by having a clear understanding as to what this last stage of Alzheimer’s entails in terms of cognitive and physical decline as well as the ensuing behavioral and emotional changes to expect.

The Alzheimer’s Association has published an in-depth informative guide to help families like yours prepare yourself and your loved one for this final stage of their Alzheimer’s journey.

The guide includes a detailed list of practical tips for those caring for a loved one in late stage Alzheimer’s. We’ve summarized them below.

Meals:

• Keep them upright during and 30 minutes after meals to aid digestion.
• Soften or thicken foods for easier swallowing. Use soft foods, thickened liquids, yogurt, pudding, or ice cream.
• Encourage self-feeding if they are able. Use prompts or finger foods if utensils are difficult.
• Assist as needed. Alternate small bites with fluids and ensure each mouthful is swallowed before continuing.
• Promote fluids. Offer juice, soup, gelatin, or sherbet; check temperatures before serving hot liquids.
• Monitor their weight. Be sure to report sudden or significant loss to a doctor.

Bowel and bladder function:

• Set a bathroom schedule by tracking eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. Use a bedside commode if needed.
• Limit evening liquids. Reduce intake 2 hours before bed but keep fluids adequate during the day.
• Use protection. Adult briefs and bed pads can help prevent nighttime accidents.
• Monitor bowel habits. Constipation may occur after 3 days without a bowel movement. Add fiber or prunes and be sure to consult a doctor if it persists.

Skin and body:

• Change their position every 2 hours to ease pressure, boost circulation, and keep the body aligned. Use pillows for support.
• Learn safe lifting from a nurse or therapist. Never pull by the arms or shoulders.
• Keep skin clean and dry. Wash gently with mild soap, blot dry, and check daily for sores or irritation.
• Protect bony areas like elbows, heels, and hips with pillows or pads. Apply moisturizer gently without massaging.
• Prevent joint stiffness. With a doctor’s OK, do gentle range-of-motion exercises 2–3 times daily, especially after bathing.

Infection prevention:

• Maintain oral hygiene. Brush their teeth after meals, clean dentures nightly, and gently clean gums, tongue, and soft tissues to reduce pneumonia risk.
• Treat wounds promptly. Wash with warm soapy water, apply antibiotic ointment, and seek help for deep cuts.
• Prevent flu and pneumonia. Get annual flu shots for both of you. Consider a pneumococcal vaccine every 5 years.

Pain and illness recognition:

• Watch for physical signs, such as pale or flushed skin, dry gums, mouth sores, vomiting, fever, or swelling.
• Note nonverbal cues which may include gestures, sounds, or facial expressions like wincing.
• Track behavior changes. This includes anxiety, agitation, trembling, shouting, or sleep issues, which may indicate pain.

Nurturing your loved one’s senses will help preserve your emotional connection.  

During the later stages of Alzheimer’s, caregiving shifts to prioritizing comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Though speech and communication may be lost, a person’s core self can still remain, allowing for special moments of connection. Your loved one will shift from cognitive awareness of the world around them to a more sensory experience. That means your interactions should adjust to focus on stimulating their senses. Here are some tips:

• Hearing. Playing some of their favorite music or reading aloud from a book.
• Sight. Looking through old photos and memorabilia together or watching an old favorite movie or TV show.
• Taste. Preparing their favorite meals and desserts.
• Smell. Bringing fresh cut flowers up to them to smell. Rubbing scented lotion on to their hands.
• Touch. Brushing their hair or providing them with a soft blanket or pillow. Letting them stroke a gentle pet, such as a dog or cat.
• Multiple senses. Sitting outside together on a nice day so that they can smell the plants and feel a cooling breeze.

Stage 7 care is extremely challenging. Caregivers need and deserve respect and compassion.

Deciding on the best care for a loved one in the late stages of Alzheimer’s is often one of the most challenging choices families face. Care needs at this stage are extensive and will require experienced, compassionate professional nurses and caregivers. Those who have taken this journey often express that the best approach is to gather the facts, make the decision, and move forward without second-guessing.

This is where we can provide support, both practically and emotionally. Many of our nurses and care staff have a deep and personal connection to dementia having experienced it in their own families. We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with your questions and concerns. You are also welcome to drop in and visit us. We have knowledge, experience, and resources to help you and your family navigate all stages of your caregiving journey. We are here to help.