One thing we all love about summer is that it brings with its warmer weather lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and events. At Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, residents, family members and staff partnered with the local Challenge Foundation to host what they billed as an “old-fashioned picnic in the park”.
What made this event special was not just the lovely park setting, but the eighth-grade students invited to participate. Highline Place partnered with The Challenge Foundation, a group that works to give a leg-up to underserved, disadvantaged young people and help them achieve success through better education and opportunities.
Engaging in inter-generational activities is good for everyone, young and old. Individuals living with dementia, however, often benefit even more from these connections. Young people have a way of reaching out and connecting in a refreshing way that adults are not always able to do.
A new study cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information corroborated earlier similar studies examining the benefits of inter-generational programs for individuals living with dementia. The study, reported that “The results suggest that residents with dementia who participated in IPs (Intergenerational Programs) had increased pleasure levels and reduced behavioral disengagement.”
Throughout our Anthem Memory Care communities, we regularly witness, firsthand, the many benefits when our residents engage in meaningful activities with young people. And what makes these interactions even more worthwhile is when those benefits are shared by the young people themselves. The recent Highline Place picnic is a great example of this. It brought along with all the fun an opportunity for students from underserved communities to enjoy meaningful interactions with adults. They spent much of the time sharing stories and experiences, which is something everyone enjoys.
Jodi Cornman, senior community relations director for Highline Place, was interviewed by local press regarding the event. Her words say it best, “Many of our residents spent their childhood summers playing outdoor games. This was a chance for our seniors to show today’s kids how to have an old-fashioned and unplugged summer. We hope new friendships will result from their time together.”
Residents, family and staff members of Highline Place Memory Care recently hosted what was billed as an “old-fashioned picnic in the park” recently. What made it even more special was the group of young people invited to join in the fun, eighth graders who are part of the Challenge Foundation which helps students break the cycle of poverty through educational opportunities.
The event was covered by MyPrimeTimeNews.com. You can read the full article here.
We often hear from family members of loved ones newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seeking their next steps. They will ask us, “What do we do now?”
It's a good question. And if this is your situation, it is important to first understand that your feelings are normal. Secondly, know that you are not alone. You have suddenly been thrust into a world you may know little to nothing of. So, you can’t be expected to deal with it all alone.
That is why our Anthem Memory Care communities host regular dementia support groups. Why are they so important? How do they benefit new family caregivers? Here are three key ways in which they can help:
Making the move to join a dementia support group is an important commitment to yourself. It is a reason to get out of the house and take a break from all your other commitments, knowing that this is your time to meet your own emotional needs.
The next move is yours. We urge you to take it by contacting an Anthem Memory Care community near you and arrange to attend the next support group. Do it for your loved one, do it for your family and, most importantly, do it for yourself.
Willowbrook Place Memory Care (an Anthem community) in Littleton, Colorado has been busy this month honoring the many “stars” who live and work inside their vibrant community.
It is a great opportunity to recognize the significant contributions made by dedicated staff members as well as the unique personalities of the amazing residents who make Willowbrook such a special place to live and visit.
We’d like to share just a few images of the many Stars who are lighting up the hallways and all the wonderful gathering areas at Willowbrook Place. Each Star has his or her unique story and took a moment to pose for a quick camera snap before going on with their day.
Meet “Star” Candy, who runs the laundry at Willowbrook. Clean, fresh clothing and linens make everyone look and feel great.
Yvonne, a “Star” Willowbrook resident (on the right) lights up the room with her smile and brings the energy levels up with her love of music and dance.
Meet Willowbrook’s maintenance “Star”, Miguel, always ready with a quick smile, who works hard to keep the community sparkling.
One of the most popular activities at Willowbrook is Katies Kraft Korner, run by “Star” Katie, one of Willowbrook’s creative activities assistants. There seems to be no limit to her imagination and love of encouraging residents to use theirs as well.
All our Anthem Memory Care communities are populated by “Stars”. Our staff members are not only highly trained in the field of memory care but are also chosen for their passion to serve individuals living with dementia.
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, we urge you to come and visit the Anthem Memory Care community near you and experience for yourself our dedication to protect, engage and love our amazing residents!
(Our top image shows “Star” residents, Mama B (left) and bestie, Pat, who love their daily walks outdoors together. Even their families are friends!)
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Ruth Lang, a golfer and resident of Grace Point Place Memory Care shared some pointers with a group of visiting students recently. Chatting with the students on the Grace Point putting green, her love of golf and enthusiasm was contagious!
These special moments were captured by local newspaper, The Reporter. You can read the full article here:
No one likes the thought of an aging parent being lonely. Even more concerning is when that parent lives alone and may go for days without any significant human interaction.
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults is more common than you might think. A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) report found that almost a quarter of adults over the age of 65 are “socially isolated”.
Of course, when dementia is an added factor, the impact from social isolation can be even more pronounced. Many of the issues are physical as well as emotional.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites various studies which help explain the serious impact of prolonged loneliness on older adults as follows:
How can these risks be lessened?
The importance of social interactions cannot be overstated. Numerous studies point to the advantages of person-centered care for individuals living with dementia. Dr Douglas Brown, director of research and development of U.K.’s Alzheimer’s Society, collaborated on one such study. In a Healthline article Dr. Brown stated that, “A person-centered approach takes into account each individual’s unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences, and needs. This study shows that training to provide this type of individualized care, activities, and social interactions can have a significant impact on the well-being of people living with dementia in care homes.”
This is one of the reasons that we take very seriously the training, experience, and genuine compassion of those we bring into our communities to care for our valued residents at our Anthem Memory Care communities.
If you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, it is important for them to have human interactions throughout the day, ideally with more than one person, to help stimulate their brains and keep them as connected to those around them as possible.
While you may be able to achieve this through an in-home living arrangement for the time being, the time may come when your loved one will benefit more from an environment built to serve the unique needs of those with dementia.
We welcome you to reach out to any of our communities in advance of making that decision. Feel free to check out our resources page as well. We’re here to help!
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, giving back is part of our daily lives. Our residents and staff are always seeking ways to channel their energies and creativity to help those in need and to give thanks to those who provide needed services within the greater community.
Recently, in an effort to help stem food insecurity in local shelters, residents, staff and families of Grace Point Place Memory Care initiated a project to put together special “blessing boxes” filled with non-perishable goods. The boxes were gifted to First United Methodist Church in Oak Lawn for their mini-pantry program. Everybody chipped in to help. And everyone benefitted from the project.
The process of engaging in a purposeful activity that helps others has a therapeutic power all its own. You may be familiar with the Rush University study back in 1997, still considered the hallmark in connecting purposeful activities with better brain health.
The study monitored the activities of over one thousand older individuals. They found that there was a 30% less cognitive decline among the seniors engaging in more purposeful activities and who exhibited a higher sense of well-being than others.
So, helping others really is a great way to help oneself!
The Grace Point Place “blessing box” project even caught the attention of The Chicago Tribune. A reporter asked Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point Place how engaging in the project impacted residents. “Our seniors felt a great sense of purpose while filling these boxes for those in need,” she told the Tribune reporter. “Having dementia doesn’t mean they can’t help others and give back to the community,” she added.
If you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, think about some purposeful activities you can do together. It may be as simple as planting a flower bed or knitting a scarf for a loved one. You might also look into local programs that benefit those in need. Working together on a project that benefits others will help bring a greater sense of value to both your loved one and yourself!
Gathering together to do their part in helping food insecurity in local shelters, residents, staff and families of Grace Point Place Memory Care put together special “blessing boxes” filled with non-perishable goods to give to First United Methodist Church in Oak Lawn for their mini-pantry program.
The good deed was covered by the Chicago Tribune. You can read the full story here.
For many families who have put off vacationing over the last couple years, this may be the first year of going back to the lake, or up to the mountains or renting a house on the coast. Lots of excitement and anticipation abound. And understandably so!
Those families caring for a relative with dementia often ask us if they should include them on the vacation. They worry that traveling to a new place might be overwhelming, uncomfortable and cause undue stress, not only for their loved one with dementia but for the rest of the family as well.
It’s certainly understandable. After all, the whole point of a vacation is to get away, relax and enjoy some time to rewind and recharge. And yet, why shouldn’t you include that very special person with whom you’ve spent so many vacations in past years?
It can be a tough decision; one that requires some thought. A few things to consider:
The best way to address these questions is with input from your loved one’s physician. They are in the best position to assess your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional health as they relate to the vacation logistics (location, housing, access to healthcare, etc.).
For those of you who are ready to bring mom or dad along on your vacation, the Alzheimer’s Association has travel tips. Here are five we’ve found especially useful:
Planning a vacation that includes a loved one living with dementia can be challenging. Getting everything in place prior to your vacation does take some time and can be stressful in and of itself. But for those willing to take the time to work out the details in advance it can be well worth the effort, providing an amazing family experience for everyone!
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One of the most challenging transitions many of us must make in our lives is that from child to caregiver of a parent. After all, our parents raised us! They were the ones to tell us to put on a jacket when we went outside, to stay hydrated and to eat our vegetables. And they were the ones to care for and comfort us when we were ill or scraped a knee.
A parent’s diagnosis of dementia brings with it the startling realization that mom or dad may no longer be capable of making decisions and, in some cases, of even remembering something that happened days ago. It can be overwhelming for adult children and can quickly turn the world they thought they knew upside down.
With that comes a tidal wave of questions. How am I going to deal with this? Where should I go to get more help for them? Where do I begin?
These are questions we hear every day. Here are some things to work through and think about as you prepare for a changing relationship and the journey ahead:
Be patient (and honest) with yourself. This can be harder than it seems. Sometimes the immediate reaction of an adult child is to pretend everything is fine and that “I’ve got this.” In time, this may be the case, but admitting and accepting your grief over the situation is the first step to getting a handle on it. Alternatively, many will shut down emotionally, backing away from their new role. Both are natural and understandable reactions. However, the more in touch you are with your emotions the better you will be able to sort through them. Talking things over with a close family member or trusted friend is helpful. The important thing is to face your emotions honestly and know that they are valid and deserve to be acknowledged and dealt with.
Take care of your own health. Never is this more important than in times of personal crises. Keep your doctor’s appointments, get your check-ups, find a good therapist and lean into new ways of relaxing and re-charging, such as yoga and meditation. Meeting your own health needs will help you stay stronger and more resilient as your journey as a caregiver moves forward.
Remember that your parent is still an adult. While your parent may be the one experiencing the decline in memory and cognition it’s important to note that they are just as upset about their diagnosis as everyone else is. They want to retain their dignity. And they want to do everything they can to keep themselves as healthy as possible for as long as possible. That is a very adult emotion and one which should remind you that your parent is and will remain an adult. Therefore, it may help to remind them as well as yourself that, “We’re a team, mom. We’ll get through this together.” It instills a sense of equality between you that is comforting and reassuring at a time when you both need it most.
Don’t take this journey alone. This is a time in your life to reach out to those around you for help. And there are plenty of resources out there to do just that. One is by getting involved with a dementia support group. These groups are a great outlet that allows you to share your challenges with others who are also experiencing them. Most of us have close family members or friends who are trustworthy and provide a sympathetic ear. This is the time to reach out to them. If they offer to help, let them.
There is no denying that the transition from adult child to caregiver is challenging on many levels. It is a journey that must be taken, but not without help. Don’t give up on yourself. And don’t underestimate the ability of those around you (including your parent) to help as well.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we address these kinds of issues every day with people like you who are faced with making all kinds of decisions you never thought you’d need to. Reach out to us. We’re here to help!
Ask any psychologist, physician or healthcare worker and they will tell you how often they have witnessed the transformational qualities of music. Music is powerful medicine, and we have all experienced its ability to energize, soothe and even spark memories from long ago.
That’s why, at our Anthem Memory Care communities, music is an essential ingredient to our days. Our residents, staff and visiting family members all enjoy our musical events.
Whether it’s a visiting classical pianist, a jazz band or country guitar, music never fails to engage and connect. And there is science to back that up.
The Alzheimer’s Association has cited studies conducted on the ability of music to reduce stress and improve behavioral issues among individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. Even in later stages of the disease, these studies have found that listening to music has the ability to raise the spirits and help connect individuals who have long since lost much of their ability to interact with others.
When you walk into an Anthem Memory Care community it’s hard to miss the energy and engagement experienced by residents and staff alike during one of our concerts or impromptu karaoke and dance parties.
We’d like to share a few videos of some of those magical moments:
An energetic drumming session at Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas!
A rousing rendition of “On the Road Again” at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado!
Cascade Creek Memory Care residents in Rochester, Minnesota delight to a beautiful piano concert!
If you are caring for a loved one living with dementia, try adding a bit more music into their lives. It’s so easy these days to download music for instant listening. Make it a point to add in some of their old favorites. Sit back and listen together. Get up and dance together. You’ll begin to experience the amazing power of music to connect your loved one to you and those around them.
(Our header image shows a wonderful guitar concert at Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California.)
As you may be aware, June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. It’s important for many reasons – increasing awareness, providing resources, and educating the public about diseases that affect the brain and cognition.
Just as important, however, is what we can learn directly from those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. No one is better at educating us how to converse and engage with them than the individuals themselves. At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we have witnessed, first hand, how adept our residents are at guiding those around them towards engaging in more meaningful interactions.
With that in mind, here are some things individuals living with dementia would like all of us to keep in mind when interacting with them.
There is much we can all learn from the vantage point of those living with dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association has written an excellent article on this topic, with additional insights, which you can read here.
As you educate yourself and become more knowledgeable don’t stop there! Share what you’ve learned with others who you think could benefit from a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. Helping to dispel myths will foster more insightful conversation and engagement all around.
(Our header photo shows a resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas enjoying a watercolor session.)
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As the weather continues to warm up, most of us are eagerly seeking opportunities to spend more time outdoors. There is nothing like the smell of flowers, plants, and fresh air to invigorate our senses and renew our spirits.
For individuals living with dementia, an hour spent outdoors can actually do wonders to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
That’s why at our Anthem Memory Care communities we schedule as many outdoor activities and events as possible. Our residents enjoy a walk, a barbeque, a concert under the stars, or simply sipping an ice tea or lemonade in our courtyard.
If you are like many who are caring for a loved one with dementia, you’re always looking for ways to improve their daily experience (as well as your own).
Here are 5 great ways to get your loved one outdoors and enjoying the benefits of fresh air:
The best time to start? Right now, weather permitting! Take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some sunshine on your shoulders. And, for those of you who are family caregivers, make sure your loved one is by your side.
(Our header image is of two amazing members of the Highline Place Walking Club! Highline Place Memory Care is located in Littleton, Colorado.)
Every spring our Anthem Memory Care communities get out the gardening gloves and get to work. Planting is an activity that our residents, staff and families look forward to. It is a treat for the senses and an opportunity to engage with each other while connecting with nature.
That doesn’t mean, however, that once planted we move on to other activities and forget about our amazing flower beds and vegetable patches! We continue to nurture and care for our plants all year round.
Our gardens and flower beds are a happy place for so many of our residents who loved to garden in their earlier years. So what is it about getting out and digging around in the earth and making things grow that is so healthy and satisfying for individuals living with dementia?
Here are three key benefits that gardening brings to everyone, but especially to those who struggle with cognition and connecting to others and world around them:
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, try setting up a table outdoors with a planter box, potting soil and a few pretty plants from your local nursery. Pull up a couple of chairs and work together to transfer the plants to the planter. It is important to take it slowly, especially the first time you do it. Start with just a few plants and keep the sessions short. Always be on the lookout for signs of fatigue or anxiety in your loved one.
With a little consistent effort and patience, you can create a really special activity and a peaceful time to engage with each other as you connect with nature.
(Our header image proves that planting season is in full bloom at Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado!)
Recently, residents of Porter Place Memory Care visited local Tinley Park Fire Station #47 to celebrate National Firefighter’s Day. But the event was special for another reason.
Former Chicago Fire Department lieutenant, Allen Williams, shared his own special memories with the firefighter team and his fellow residents.
You can read the full story in the Chicago Tribune here.