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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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.)

Generally speaking, Alzheimer’s disease is a topic that most of us are pretty familiar with. We know that it involves memory loss that continues to accelerate over the years. But beneath this very basic understanding, sits a general lack awareness of important details. As a result, many inaccuracies continue to get passed around.

September is World Alzheimer’s month, and it’s a good time to stop and take a moment to review what the disease is (and isn’t) and dispel any myths that only serve to further complicate an already complex illness.

First, it’s important to update yourself on the facts about Alzheimer’s. Here are five (courtesy of Healthline):

1. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia; in fact it is the most common form.
2. Alzheimer’s disease currently impacts over 6 million people.
3. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6^th leading cause of death in the U.S.
4. Women are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s. It also advances more quickly in women.
5. Other health conditions can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle.

Just as important as understanding the facts is being aware of some common misconceptions surrounding Alzheimer’s. Here are three key Alzheimer’s myths (courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC):

1. Only older people get Alzheimer’s. While it is prevalent among those 65 and older, early onset Alzheimer’s can occur in those as young as 30. It is rare, however, occurring in only 5% of Alzheimer’s cases.
2. Alzheimer’s is hereditary. While genetics can play a role, research shows there are other factors, such as lifestyle choices and state of health that can impact one’s vulnerability to developing Alzheimer’s. And, in many other cases, the cause remains unknown.
3. There is no hope for someone with Alzheimer’s. Early diagnosis and medications can help individuals living with Alzheimer’s continue to have meaningful lives. In a loving, caring environment, people with Alzheimier’s can continue to participate and enjoy life for several years after a diagnosis.

Now that you have some facts under your belt, you should also know that there is an abundance of resources available on Alzheimer’s, both for individuals living with the disease and for families. Here are some from the Alzheimer’s Association that you may find useful:

• The Alzheimer’s Association has a free 24/7 Helpline which answers over 300,000 calls annually. It is run by experienced professionals who can provide information as well as referrals.
• You can share your story and get some of your key questions answered through the Alzheimer’s Association online community forum.
• You can keep current on research and other topics related to dementia by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association’s extensive library of articles, books and databases. You can access it through their Alzheimer's Association Green-Field Library.
• Alzheimer’s Association chapters are located throughout the U.S. Here is the link to Find a chapter closest to you.

Our Anthem Memory Care blogs also cover a wide range of informative topics, including answering questions such as Is it Alzheimer’s or just age-related changes?, help with behavioral issues, such as “sundowning”, and ensuring that your loved one with dementia is safe. And there are many more topics you can browse by scrolling down our home page.

As with any disease, the more you know, the better prepared you are. If you are caring for an individual who you suspect may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, reach out to your health professionals. And don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We’re here to help answer your questions and provide added resources.

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We often get asked why our memory care communities organize many of our activities to include local school children. It’s an easy question to answer. Intergenerational activities are beneficial for everyone involved. For our residents, it gives them a chance to connect with young people in ways that sharpen their senses and the opportunity to mentor them with advice and guidance. For the young people, it puts them into contact with aging individuals who have a wealth of stories to share, providing a window into an earlier era. For both groups it creates an enriched experience with many unexpected surprises and insights.

In home settings, however, in an effort to be protective, parents may be reluctant to expose a child to a family member with dementia. This is unfortunate in that children are much better able to cope with diverse situations than parents realize. If explained with love, these interactions can broaden their sphere of experience and provide them with an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of dementia.

Here are some activities that we’ve found to be especially beneficial in connecting individuals with dementia to young people:

• Reading books together. Our residents enjoy visiting local schools and reading to young students. By doing so, they are giving the gift of their time, sharpening their own reading skills and sharing the fun of the stories.
• Doing a craft. Recently at our Harvester Place community, local children worked with residents to make unique dog toys for local shelters. Not only was it a purposeful activity, but encouraged conversation and connection.
• Looking at old photographs. Sharing old photographs brings added awareness to both young and old, often jogging a memory or two in the process.
• Listening to music. What we’ve found especially fun is when residents and young people each share samples of the music they love. Young people are often fascinated by sounds of the big bands era or early rock and roll.

While the pandemic caused us to curtail our usual busy schedule of activities, below are some amazing images of some of the intergenerational activities our residents have enjoyed over the years.

Gardening with Community House campers at Harvester Place.

Grace Point Place held a kite making and flying event!

Chelsea Place residents and children enjoy a game of croquet!

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia and haven’t yet done so, consider adding some visits from younger family members to their activity schedule. A short visit from a child or two can literally transform everyone’s day. Make sure the children have a basic understanding of the limitations of the loved one and that they are old enough to be respectful of their situation.

We all look forward to bringing back our full schedule of intergenerational programs at Anthem Memory Care. Young people never fail to bring joy, hope and lots of smiles to the faces of our residents. And the children always leave eager to come back again soon.

(The top image is of a resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado, during a visit to a local fair.)

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Did you know that up to 40% of individuals with dementia also struggle with depression? That’s certainly not a welcome statistic, especially if you are caring for a loved one diagnosed with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

What can be challenging is being able to recognize depression in a loved one with dementia. The reason for this is that dementia and depression share some common characteristics. The Alzheimer’s Association describes them as follows:

• Apathy
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Social withdrawal
• Isolation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Cognitive impairment

When an individual with dementia experiences depression, however, it may manifest itself differently than in those without dementia. For instance, the symptoms may not seem as severe or last as long. Thoughts of suicide, often common in depression, are often not expressed by individuals with dementia.

What all this means is that if you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you’ll want to keep track of their behavioral patterns. You, after all, will have the best sense of what is within their “normal” limits and what behavior might be a sign of depression.

You’ll want to check in with your loved one’s physician if you suspect the onset of depression. While there is no single, definitive diagnostic test for depression, an experienced professional, often a geriatric psychologist, should be able to make a determination based on a full physical and mental evaluation.

Fortunately, there are treatments that can improve the quality of life and help maintain cognitive health for those with dementia and depression. While some of those treatments involve medications, there are things you can do to help as well. These include:

• Acknowledge the frustrations and difficulties your loved one is experiencing. Don’t try to “talk them out of” their depression. Be clear that you understand and that you are on their side.
• Create a daily routine with a few activities your loved one enjoys. Keeping to a predictable schedule helps reduce confusion and anxiety.
• Schedule short outings to places that are of interest to your loved one.
• Make sure your loved one is getting daily exercise.
• Consider joining a support group. You will find that talking with other family caregivers about their concerns and sharing yours will help you better deal with your own stress.

It also bears mentioning that, just as there are resources to help your loved one with depression, there are resources to help you, as a caregiver, deal more effectively with your own emotional ups and downs. Contact us and we’ll be happy to share some of our resources and answer your questions. Remember, you are not alone!

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