Have you joined a Walk to End Alzheimer’s yet? It’s a great way to not only mark this important month but to give back and help fight for a cure.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe that involvement in programs that help support studies and ongoing research is essential to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

That’s why we take opportunities to bring our staff, residents, and families together to engage in activities that put a spotlight on the disease and bring heightened awareness to the fact that we are still seeking a cure for this devastating disease.

Here are just a few ways our communities are working to spread awareness:

Staff members of Grace Point Place in Oak Lawn, Illinois participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

At Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois, a resident and staff member fight for “The First Survivor”.

A resident of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota, shows his support with a special “AlzStars” t-shirt.

A Grace Point Place staff member visits a local school to educate children about dementia.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, there are plenty of ways to get involved in helping to find a cure. Here are a few:

• There are Alzheimer’s Association chapters throughout the U.S. Make sure you are connected locally. Here is the link to Find a chapter closest to you.
• Join the Alzheimer’s Association online community forum where you can share your questions and find answers.
• Finally, take a “walk”! Find a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event near you.

For those of you seeking more information about dementia, our Anthem Memory Care blogs cover a wide range of topics that you will find interesting and useful. Topics include: understanding the signs of Alzheimer’s versus general age related cognitive changes, understanding behavioral issues, such as “sundowning”, keeping a loved one with dementia safe. There are many, many other topics you can browse by scrolling down our home page.

There are few people in this world who have not experienced Alzheimer’s disease, either through a close family member or friend. Alzheimer’s disease is everyone’s business. Finding a cure benefits all of us.

Think about how you can get more involved in helping the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Then act on it!

(The top image is of family members of residents of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois at an Alzheimer’s awareness event.)

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In honor of Veterans Day, residents, families and staff of Emerald Place invited members of the greater community to visit and put their artistic talents to work. The result was some amazing colorful chalk art in themes that capture the spirit of America and the unselfish sacrifices of our American veterans.

The event was covered by the Chicago Tribune. You can read the full article here.

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Oak Lawn Mayor, Terry Vorderer, and Oak Lawn Parks Commissioner, Major Dan Johnson, an active-duty Army officer, led a very special Veterans Day celebration which included the presentation of a flag to Grace Point Place. Both are members of the Oak Lawn Elks Veteran of Foreign Wars Lodge 2254. The ten veterans at the community represent many arms of the military and fought in different wars.

The special event was covered in The Patch. You can read the full story here.

A special pre-Veterans Day event brought a group of local middle school students to Chisholm Place where they took to the concrete walkways outside to express their appreciation for our veterans. It was a co-sponsored event, the purpose of which is to educate young people as to the importance of Veteran’s Day and to bring them together with older Americans to increase awareness, share a great experience and give back to the community.

The event was covered by local TV station, KSN Channel 3. You can watch the video below:

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Have you ever taken a late afternoon nap and awakened to a shadowy, darkening room? If so, you’ve probably experienced that brief feeling of mild disorientation, which you quickly shake off as you adjust to the transition from daytime to evening.

For an individual who struggles with dementia, however, shaking off that feeling and moving on is not that easy. The period of transition from daylight to nighttime can trigger varying levels of anxiety, sometimes resulting in extreme reactions.

This phenomenon is commonly referred to as Sundown Syndrome or “sundowning”. Those who have cared for individuals with dementia experiencing sundowning understand how important it is to recognize the triggers and how to deal effectively with them.  

The fall transition from daylight saving time to standard time can increase the impact of Sundown Syndrome. So, as we approach our fall time change, here are some tips to minimize its impact on a loved one with dementia.

First, know the triggers, which can include:

• Low lighting. The casting of shadows on the wall can heighten the feeling of confusion and lead to anxiety.
• End of day hustle and bustle. Whether it involves people coming home from work, or a day caregiver leaving or the beginnings of meal preparation, even minor noise and disruption can be stressful.
• Oversleeping. Individuals who are older may spend more time napping which may trigger sundowning. The sense of being “in and out” of a sleep state can create confusion when fully awakened.
• A Circadian Rhythm interruption. Our internal “natural clock” doesn’t always respond well to time changes, either brought about by daylight saving time or by traveling to different time zones. When thrown off, for those with dementia, it can trigger sundowning.

It is important not to blame yourself. As a caregiver, you can’t control everything that might trigger a sundowning reaction in your loved one. When he/she does exhibit symptoms of sundowning, it is important to have some tools to make it less stressful. Here are some helpful tips from Healthline:

• Keep to a schedule: Sticking to a normal schedule and familiar activities can help lessen the potential for sundowning.

• Turn on lights: Make sure that you have plenty of lights on as the sun goes down and the evening hours set in. It will help minimize shadows and make the transition easier.
• Keep physical activity consistent: The daylight to evening transition is easier for those who have had a full, active day, than those who have been in and out of a sleep state.
• Limit large evening meals: Large meals at nighttime can cause sleepless nights which can, in turn, lead to sleepiness throughout the day. This, in turn can trigger sundowning. Try to limit larger meals to earlier in the day.
• Keep track of their behavior. Try to keep track of your loved one’s sundowning triggers. Everyone is different. Knowing their triggers can help you minimize them.

Finally, when you notice your loved one experiencing sundowning symptoms, reassure them that the feeling will soon pass and they will feel better. If you can do so safely, allow them to walk around a bit. Try not to restrain them. It will only enhance the feelings of anxiety.

Sundown Syndrome is very real. And it can create anxious moments for everyone. Recognizing what it is, what triggers it and having tactics in mind to minimize its impact will help your loved one pass through the period with less stress making that transition from daylight to evening easier for everyone.

Students from Hinsdale High School visited residents of Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois to engage in a truly worthwhile cause: making blankets for patients of Amita Health Adventist Medical Center in Hinsdale. The project was part of the school’s “Day of Service”, an event that was enjoyed by all, especially residents as they shared their time and skills to give back to their community.

The “Day of Service” project was covered by The Daily Herald. You can read the full article here.

For most of us, Halloween is a lot of fun and an evening we all look forward to. Children ringing the doorbell and shouting “Trick or treat” with crazy costumes and masks are part of our culture and we are all too willing to bring out the basket of candy over and over again. But for those living with dementia, all that “spooky” fun can bring anxiety, between the costumes, the doorbell ringing and increased excitement and activity.

While we know that it’s all in good fun, individuals with dementia can easily become confused by the festive atmosphere and feel threatened by the clutter of “creepy” decorations crowding the hallways and hanging on walls.  

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia and are planning to have a Halloween party or, at the very least, hand out candy, it’s important to understand the impact these festivities can have on your loved one. Otherwise, what starts as a perfectly innocent, fun gathering with kids, grandkids and neighbors can quickly become a very unsettling experience for your loved one and for those around them.

The good news is that there are ways you can tone down the pandemonium and yet still enjoy the Halloween festivities. The Alzheimers Care Resource Center has some tips to make Halloween a little less stressful, yet preserve the element of fun. We’ve included a few tips from our Anthem communities as well.

• Avoid the more cryptic decorations, especially inside your home. Fake tombstones, bloody ghosts and skeletons can be upsetting to those with dementia.
• Try to leave furniture in its place. Moving it around to accommodate decorations can disorient your loved one which could result in a fall.
• Avoid rigging up special sound effects, like ghostly laughter or creaking doors. These can be confusing and disturbing for your loved one.
• Keep lighting as normal as possible. Dim lighting, flickering candles, orange mini lights and black lights can be extremely disorienting.
• Avoid taking your loved one along to the mall or to a haunted house. The high noise levels, along with the many distractions can increase anxieties.
• Keep your candy in a safe place, preferably up in a cupboard out of reach.  Your loved one may unwittingly begin dipping into it and eat more than is healthy. (This goes for you, too!)
• To avoid hearing the doorbell ring over and over again, consider leaving your candy in a large basket outside the door with a welcoming note.
• If you have family members who are dressing up and want to show off their costumes, invite them to approach your loved one one-by-one. Your loved one will enjoy it much more and it won’t be as overwhelming.

Halloween can be great fun. But we also understand that it brings unique challenges to families with loved ones living with dementia. But that doesn’t mean you have to turn off the lights and lock up your home. By taking the time and effort to plan in advance and make a few adjustments everyone, from your children to your aging loved ones, can enjoy the evening!

(The top image is of last year’s “Trunk-or-Treat” drive-through Halloween visit at Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois!)

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• Halloween Crafts Bring Students and Memory Care Residents Together
• Halloween is “Spooky” Fun For Most, But Not for Those With Dementia

Nothing is more exciting for our memory care residents than visits from young people. Whether they are from a local school, youth organization or family members, they never fail to bring smiles and laughter to everyone.

Recently, residents of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois were treated to a visit from the local Northfield Girl Scout Troop 45521, a delight in and of itself, but made even more special by what they had prepared for the residents.

Each scout had hand-painted a cartload of pumpkins in advance, as part of a project. Upon their visit, the scouts presented a pumpkin to each resident. The residents clearly enjoyed the gifts, remarking upon the creative and colorful designs. The scouts also enjoyed the interactions as residents talked about some of their own memories of carving pumpkins and enjoying the season.

Inter-generational activities are so important to individuals living with dementia. Young people bring, by their very presence, a unique brand of therapy which, in turn, brings many advantages to residents. Very Well Health cites respected sources which have noted clear advantages of inter-generational interactions to individuals with cognitive impairment, including:

• More instances of smiling and positive verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Higher levels of interaction with the young people.
• Greater overall engagement with those around them.

What does this mean to those of you who are caring for a loved one with dementia? It means that making an effort to bring them together regularly with younger family members can be beneficial to their health and wellbeing. By the way, it also brings benefits to the younger folks as well. We know this because young people who visit our communities often report having their spirits lifted along with the enjoyment of hearing stories and getting some good advice from their elders.

Inter-generational interactions benefit everyone. And that’s one of the reasons that our communities continue to reach out into the greater community to foster involvement and launch programs that bring young people together with our memory care residents. It is an experience that elevates and inspires all of us. A true win-win!

(The top image is of a Northfield Girl Scout Troop member with an Emerald Place resident.)

Porter Place Memory Care residents and the local Brownie troop #65143 got together recently for a pin “SWAP”. What is SWAP? If you’ve ever been a Brownie you know: “Special Watchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere”. The event sparked memories for the residents and some staff members as well.

SWAP was covered in the local Village View Newspaper. You can access the full publication and the article on page 6 here.

Recently, the television series, 60 Minutes, had a wonderful and poignant segment featuring Tony Bennett who, at 95, has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. While Tony couldn’t recall the fact that he had shared the stage in a recent concert with Lady Gaga, he could recall all the words to several of his old songs.

Here is the segment: 

The ability to recall all the words to an old song or poem and, yet, not recall recent life events is very typical of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding this and finding ways to celebrate those memories that live on is one of the ways so many family caregivers report finding moments of joy among the many care challenges they face.

If you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, there are things you can begin doing now to bring more of these moments of joy to your loved one, yourself and your family. Here are some tips:

• Don’t prod and push for memories. Let memories come naturally. While it’s tempting to prod someone with dementia to remember something recent it will, in most cases, lead not to a memory but to increased anxiety.
• Engage in memory-sparking activities. Try engaging in activities that are more likely to spark a memory or two. Looking through an old photo album or listening to their favorite music are great ways to start. You might even ask them if they remember Tony Bennett. No doubt they’ll remember not only him, but remember their favorite Tony Bennett song.
• Enjoy the moment. When your loved one does share a recollection, sit back and enjoy it. But try to avoid pushing them to go further. The more relaxed you are, the more enjoyable those moments will be for your loved one.
• Educate family and friends. Explain to them the importance of allowing natural memories to flow, rather than quizzing your loved one. If you do this in advance of your next gathering, everyone will be better prepared and more relaxed.

In the 60 Minutes video that, when Tony Bennett started effortlessly singing all the words to “Watch What Happens”, his face came alive and his eyes sparkled. What a great moment to witness. And it’s the kind of moment that, with some patience and understanding, your family can possibly enjoy too.

(The top image photo was taken by Peter Chiapperino: a concert photographer in Lexington, Kentucky - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32088859)

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One of the most challenging interactions with aging parents is broaching the subject of finances. They typically resist sharing that side of their lives and, frankly, would prefer not to be asked at all! And yet, as your parents grow older, the truth is that they will be needing more help to handle bills, banking and other financial needs that arise.

When an individual is challenged with dementia, they can be particularly vulnerable to financial struggles. Even in the early stages, they may have a hard time balancing a checkbook, depositing and transferring funds and budgeting on a daily basis. Long term financial planning quickly gets out of reach. And that’s when real financial issues can occur.

If you have a parent in the earlier stages of dementia, there are actions you will need to take to assess the situation and begin to gain greater control. We understand that this is easier said than done! But, armed with information and some tried and true communications tactics, you can begin the process in a way that is both respectful and productive. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Check in with family members. Before you approach your parent, identify which family members might be most helpful as you work to gain greater control. Bounce ideas off them. Encourage their involvement.
2. Schedule a talk with your parent. Pick a time and place when he/she is most alert and will feel more relaxed. Consider having your initial conversation one-on-one. Having siblings or a spouse present may be intimidating.
3. Be respectful, yet firm. First, it's important to understand that this is not a “one and done” discussion. It will take time and patience. Start with a few facts under your belt. For instance, if mom has struggled with writing checks, that might be a good place to start by offering help. If dad missed a few bills, you might use that as a starting point.
4. Create an action list for follow up. And, most importantly, keep things moving. There is often a tendency to drop the ball after the initial discussion, especially if it was difficult, and put off taking action. Don’t give up!
5. Gather information and gain greater control. As your parent begins to open up, you will need access to bank records, bills, loans and medical costs, among other things. This is also a good time to consult with an attorney about gaining a Power of Attorney. It will make this process much easier.

Of course, if your parent’s dementia has progressed further than the initial stages, you will need to quickly gain Power of Attorney and accelerate the process of gaining financial (and medical) control. This is where close family members and/or friends can be supportive, so be sure to reach out. This is not a journey you should be taking alone!

At Anthem Memory Care communities, we speak often with family caregivers who find themselves suddenly in the challenging role of parent caregiver. We understand the complexities involved and the anxiety that taking over their finances can cause. Feel free to contact one of our communities near you.

We’re here to help!

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Wouldn’t it be great if every city, town and village was committed to improving the lives of individuals living with dementia?

Porter Place Memory Care has been actively involved in the greater community for several years now. So helping the Village of Tinley Park work towards a “Dementia Friendly” designation was a natural extension of their partnership.

So what is a “Dementia Friendly” community? And why do our Anthem Memory Care communities feel that it is so important?

The designation is actually part of a nationwide initiative called “Dementia Friendly America”, a program launched back in 2015, in the aftermath of the White House Conference on Aging. It really gained traction after a successful Minnesota statewide pilot project, ACT on Alzheimer’s. And it has since grown and extended to other states.

What does it mean to be “dementia friendly”? For the village of Tinley Park, it is a proclamation of their commitment to put a concerted effort on working to improve the quality of life for individuals throughout the community who are challenged by a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. And, it’s important to note, that focus extends to those who are caring for these individuals as well.

Meredith Morris, community relations director for Porter Place was interviewed by the Tinley Park Patch newspaper. Meredith acknowledged the importance of community involvement. “Dementia and Alzheimer’s are a growing public health concern, locally and nationwide,” she told The Patch. “It’s a very emotional issue for the growing number of families affected by the disease. The more work we can do to educate the public and increase understanding of the disease, the more support there will be for the individuals with the disease and the families who care for them.”

Hats off to Porter Place and to the community of Tinley Park, Illinois for putting the focus on working together to make a difference in the lives of individuals with dementia. You can learn more about Dementia Friendly America and its network of communities here.

(The top photo shows Porter Place Executive Director, Colleen Kamin, second from left, with Village of Tinley leadership.)

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Tinley Park Teams with Porter Place Memory Care to Achieve “Dementia Friendly” Designation

Recently the town of Tinley Park, Illinois, with the help of Porter Place Memory Care, was designated a “dementia friendly” community. It is part of the Dementia Friendly America initiative to encourage communities throughout the U.S. to support citizens living with dementia, as well as their caregivers.

You can read the full story in the Tinley Park Patch here.

When was the last time you took a walk? How did you feel afterwards? Maybe a little winded, but probably pretty good and ready to relax, right?

A good, brisk walk is one of nature’s most perfect exercises because it not only works many muscles, but it feeds oxygen to the brain, increases energy and improves mood and cognition. Of course, this is especially important for individuals who live with dementia. And it is why our Anthem Memory Care communities conduct regular walks, either on our own grounds or at one of our local parks. Residents love them. (Our staff members do too!)

What’s great about walking is that you can do it anywhere, around the block, a park, or even in your backyard or inside your home.

The Mayo Clinic has a compiled an impressive list of the benefits of a brisk walk. You may not realize just how many there are:

• Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
• Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Improve muscle endurance
• Increase energy levels
• Improve your mood, cognition, memory and sleep
• Improve your balance and coordination
• Strengthen immune system
• Reduce stress and tension

The Highline Place Memory Care “Walking Club” (Littleton, Colorado) gets out and about regularly.

As for frequency of walking, most health experts recommend a short walk every day if possible. Otherwise, at least a minimum of five days per week. Much, of course, depends on your overall health and physical endurance.

If you are caring for a loved one who has dementia, try to make it a point to get them up and out for a short walk as frequently as possible. The act of walking, with a friend by your side, has many emotional benefits as well. Chances are you’ll both come back more relaxed and in a more positive frame of mind.

(The top image shows residents of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois, out for a walk in their local park!)

While our Anthem Memory Care community life engagement directors love to organize fun events and activities for our residents, they also recognize the value of providing plenty of opportunity to relax and experience periods of peace and quiet.

A researcher from the University of Wisconsin, Laura Joosse, has studied the relationship between sound and behavior in individuals living with dementia. She studied decibel levels and how they can be lowered to a level that reduces anxiety.

The impact loud sounds and ambient noise is especially hard on individuals with dementia because they often can’t comprehend exactly what is bothering them. That feeling of lack of control over their environment can lead to increased anxiety.

Mealtime can be especially challenging in that the clanking of silverware, mixed with the ebb and tide of rising voices and background music can create a cacophony of sounds that can quickly raise stress levels for those whose cognition is already impaired.

What can be done to reduce these noisy distractions? Here are a few tips for those of you who are caring for a loved one with dementia:

• Limit visits to crowded venues, like shopping malls, where there are multiple noise distractions.
• Sit closer to your loved one when conversing to enable them to see you. Try to achieve eye contact before speaking. This helps them focus and screen out background noise.
• Do not try to compete with background noise. Speak slowly and evenly. A lower voice stands out better from background noises and has a more calming effect as well. Shouting will only increase the noise level and add another layer of stress.
• Become more observant of the ambient noise around you and do what you can to eliminate or reduce it. Make sure that radios and TVs are turned off or lowered when visitors are present. If there is construction occurring nearby, close the windows on that side of the house.
• Be reassuring when sudden noises do occur. Whether it’s the sound of a car alarm in the distance or a lawnmower starting up, make it a point to acknowledge the sound (“Someone must be mowing their lawn”) instead of trying to ignore it. This reassures your loved one that the sound they heard poses no threat.

While following these tips, it is also important not to overcompensate by attempting to sequester your loved one away from all the normal sounds of life around them. Many sounds, such as that of a water fountain, birds, and even the sound of children at play can be soothing to individuals with dementia.

At Anthem Memory Care communities, we have found regular meditation and yoga sessions conducted outdoors to be a great way to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, and to cope more effectively with the sounds of the world around us.

(The top image is of an outdoor meditation session at Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado.)