For those of you who have a parent or other loved one with dementia, the holidays can be stressful as you try to make your festivities as enjoyable and as anxiety free as possible. And, of course, there is always the question of what gifts to give, who should visit and so forth.
This year, of course, the pandemic has changed the rules of engagement. For many families, that means not being able to visit a beloved parent or grandparent. And, yet there are still ways to connect with your loved one that can provide meaning and inspiration to them as well as to your own family.
Here are some ideas to add some joy during this challenging holiday season:
If your mom or dad is in a memory care community, take the time to tune into what they are doing to spread cheer during the holidays. Many, such as our Anthem communities, have organized special holiday events. While you may not be there in person to share them, staying on top of the latest activities and celebrations at the community will help enrich your conversation with your loved one. You can even reinforce these events as something they can look forward to.
We’re all hopeful that next year at this time we’ll be celebrating the holidays together in more traditional ways, with family and friends close to us. Truly the pandemic will end and there will be better days ahead.
Until then, focus on making the holidays as special as possible for the loved ones in your life. This is a season of faith. Seize upon ways to keep that faith alive.
(The photograph above features a lovely resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care enjoying last year’s holiday festivities.)
Related Articles:
Thanksgiving, 2020 will certainly be one we’ll never forget. For many families, it will be much smaller than usual. For some, it will be a time to reflect on loved ones, living and passed. And, yet, regardless of where Thanksgiving finds each of us this year, it brings an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the simple things we often take for granted; things like the love of family, food on the table and even for life itself.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, throughout the month of November, we have been celebrating Thanksgiving with delicious dinners and special activities and events. We understand that it has been challenging for family members and for residents who may not be able to get together this year. But, inside our doors there is no shortage of celebration, laughter and love. Our residents and staff members have been sharing special personal feelings of gratitude all month, and many of our communities have even created “thankful trees” to which they attach paper leaves inscribed with their own expressions of thanks.
Here are a few special images of residents sharing their special Thanksgiving messages. Enjoy!
What are you thankful for this year? Have you shared your thankful thoughts with your loved ones? This is a wonderful time of year to express gratitude to those people in your life who make it so special.
At Anthem Memory Care, we are thankful for the wonderful individuals who walk through the halls of our communities every day. Our residents and their families are a blessing as well as our dedicated, caring staff.
From all of us at Anthem Memory Care, wishing you and your families a very special Thanksgiving.
Related Articles:
For many of us, Thanksgiving will be very different this year. For some, it may just be a smaller group; four or five instead of fifteen. But for those with loved ones in senior care it will be a bit more challenging to connect and engage in ways you’ve grown used to in the past.
We understand these challenges, as many of us are experiencing them in our own families. The good news is that we’ve become more educated in terms of using technologies and have acclimated to things like video chat and Zoom calls. Clearly technology has been a blessing, helping us visit virtually with those we can’t be physically near right now.
With that in mind, we have gathered a few tips to help families connect with each other in ways that keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive and bring moments of joy to those special loved ones in senior living. Here they are:
It is also important to make sure that your call is as free of ambient noise and unnecessary distractions as possible so that your loved one can hear each of the participants. Many families will encourage participants to raise a hand before speaking. Also look for signs that your loved one is feeling fatigued. Don’t hesitate to end the call a bit early if this happens. It is important that it be enjoyable, not tiring.
We all wish we could be with our loved ones during the holidays. And, yet, with some effort and planning you can create a Thanksgiving experience that brings loved ones together in new ways. Using technology to connect and engage is a blessing to us this holiday season. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we use it regularly to help our residents and family members connected. Let us know how we can help!
(The image for this blog is of a resident enjoying a special meal, while serenaded by a family member. Taken at Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado.)
Related Articles:
In celebration of Veteran’s Day this year, Chelsea Place Memory Care honored WWII veteran, Linden Matthews, a 97-year old former Navy machinist.
Outside Chelsea Place, banners were placed along the walkways, with photographs of Linden Matthews as well as eight other veterans. It was a very special day, not only for the vets themselves, but for family members and Chelsea Place staff.
The event was covered by local news station, KUSA TV. You can view the video here:
Every November 11th, we honor those men and women who have served their country in battlefields all over the world. We are still fortunate to have with us, veterans of World War II. Many of them are residents, right here in our Anthem Memory Care communities. Their stories are riveting and, while they may struggle with short term memory loss, long term memories often come back in unexpected moments of joy. When this happens, we listen and learn. Their stories are riveting and take us back to another era.
In honor of Veteran’s Day this year, Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora Colorado honored WWII veteran, Linden Matthews, a 97-year old former Navy machinist. Linden served in the Battle of Attu, in the Aleutian Islands, as well as the Battle of Okinawa.
The event was covered by local news station, KUSA TV. A reporter spoke with community relations director for Chelsea Place, Jenni Dill. “The things that happened earliest in their lives are deeply engrained in who they are,” Jenni told the reporter. “In a lot of ways I feel like I get to be the keeper of that history,” she added.
Here is a video of coverage of the event by KUSA TV:
Outside Chelsea Place, banners were placed along the walkways, with photographs of Linden Matthews as well as eight other veterans. It was a very special day, not only for the vets themselves, but for family members and Chelsea Place staff. Everyone is deeply touched by listening to the stories of the lives of these wonderful residents and being taken back to another time and place.
As the veterans sat and observed their tributes, a musician played the Star Spangled Banner and Taps in honor of the special ceremony.
“I want them to feel like they are movie stars, because they are,” Jenni Dill says.
It gives all of us at Anthem Memory Care a wonderful feeling to celebrate our veterans. We cherish their stories and are honored to have them as a part of our family.
Related Articles:
Nothing works better to take our minds off our own troubles than helping someone else. Studies have shown that an act of kindness towards another person releases chemicals called “endorphins” produced by the body that help alleviate pain and boost a feeling of happiness. Research from the National Institutes of Health points to activities like volunteering and helping others as contributing to the release of endorphins or “feel-good” chemicals, as they are often called.
For individuals living with dementia, engaging in purposeful activities that help others can greatly improve quality of life and a sense of personal value. This is one of the reasons that we encourage residents of our Anthem Memory Care communities to “give back” to the broader community though projects and programs to help those in need.
Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview Illinois, from now through December, will be packaging and delivering care packages to serve those seniors who are in isolated living conditions. It’s part of their Seniors Serving Seniors program. And it’s needed now more than ever.
Each care kit includes a variety of items, including mittens, cards and letters, coffee mugs and water bottles. Emerald Place is currently accepting local donations to a special drop box located at the community entrance.
The program caught the attention of the Daily Herald, who sent a writer to interview Kim Reichert, community relations director for Emerald Place. “Many of our residents are lifelong volunteers committed to making their community a better place to live,” Kim told the Herald. “They continue to want to help others and that’s the focus of the Seniors Serving Seniors program,” she added.
When was the last time you volunteered to help someone in need? This upcoming holiday season will be especially challenging for many seniors who are living alone and feeling isolated. What better time than now to reach out and get involved in your own community. Check your local organizations and senior care providers and find a way to help. You’ll be doing a great service and feeling great in the process!
The image above shows Marion Siegel, a resident of Emerald Place Memory Care, putting the finishing touches on a care basket.
Related Articles:
A cause we can all get behind is the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association, founded back in 1980, has chapters all across the country. Walks and other special events sponsored by the organization share a common goal: to fund Alzheimer’s research and help put an end to this devastating disease.
Our Anthem Memory Care communities are actively involved in fundraising events for Alzheimer’s research. And, some of the fundraisers really stand out for their creativity. At Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois, horses took center stage for an Alzheimer’s fundraiser event that brought in $1,278 for the ENDALZ drive.
Porter Place Community Relations Director, Bobbi Kelley, is a horse owner herself, and has on several occasions hosted special gatherings at her stable where residents love to interact with her horses. Some residents who rode in their earlier years have even gotten in the saddle and ridden around the corral!
So it made sense to Bobbi, as well as other staff members and residents to find a way to combine their love of horses while raising money for their favorite cause. The event took place October 4th at Francis Field, in New Lenox, Illinois. Staff, family and members of the greater community came together to lend a hand. Some sold raffle tickets and others helped out behind the scenes. The Will County Trail Riders brought their horses to show off their amazing skills. The event even included professional instructors who conducted riding lessons for family members and carriage rides were also offered. Everyone had a great time.
Below are a few images of the event.
Filling up the donation board!
Judging time in the corral!
And the winner is…..!
Plenty of young people to show off their riding skills!
Events like these are so important to bring residents, staff and families together, all in support of a cause that is so important to all of us.
It’s easy to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and to do your part to make a difference in the ongoing fight to find a cure. To learn more and to find your local chapter, visit www.alz.org.
Related Articles:
Kurtis Colamonico, a professional skateboarder, visited Vineyard Place Memory Care recently to show off some skills. Staff, residents and family members were wowed by their skills!
The event was covered in the Murrietta Patch. Read the full story here.
For many of us, fall’s cooling temperatures brings with it a renewed concern over COVID-19. For one thing, experts tell us that the COVID lives longer and travels further in cooler, dryer temperatures. We also know that colder weather draws people indoors. And, COVID likes small enclosed indoor areas as well. What COVID doesn’t like, however, are masks, social distance and anti-viral cleaning products. Taking the time to understand the likes and dislikes of COVID helps all of us to stay as safe as possible while still enjoying the change in weather.
If you have a loved one with dementia, you are probably experiencing an added layer of concern for their physical and cognitive health. Of course, you want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to them safe from COVID and limiting any activities that might put them at risk. Here are some tips to keep in mind as our weather cools:
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we continue to be warriors against COVID by keeping our buildings clean and airflow as open as possible. Our wonderful teams take the wearing of PPE (personal protection equipment) very seriously and have been thoroughly trained to adhere diligently to CDC guidelines.
As of yet, epidemiologists aren’t certain how bad the normal, seasonal flu will be this year, let alone if there will be COVID spikes. Of course, we all eagerly await a vaccine and improved therapeutics to stem the rate of serious infection.
However, in the meantime it is important to stay informed and up to date with all the latest scientific findings and to use all the resources available to keep your loved one safe and healthy.
We do know that COVID-19 will eventually wane and that we will once again be able to enjoy the person to person contact that is so important for all of us. Until then, we will pull together in the months to come and look forward to better days ahead.
Related Articles:
One of the things we know about individuals living with dementia is that, while familiarity and routine are important, introducing some variety into their day raise their levels of awareness and even spark a memory or two.
That may be part of the reason why the residents at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado are still raving about a recent visit from their local motorcycle club. Now that’s what we call adding some variety into your day!
The local club partnered with staff at Highline Place to throw a fun party, bikes included. Everyone got into the swing of it, with hand painted tattoos (to channel the ‘biker babes and dudes’), music and lots of motorcycle stunts performed outside in front of a cheering group of residents and staff. The event drew the attention of local Denver CBS Channel 4, bringing their cameras on site to film some of the action, as seen below:
Before the bikers arrives, reporters from Channel 4 asked community relations director, Shayla Davis, what prompted the special gathering. “Our residents have an adventurous spirit and they are energized by new experiences,” she said. “We think the bikers will be impressed by their ability to party.”
And they were!
Don’t be afraid to sprinkle some variety into the daily routine of your loved one who is challenged with dementia. While it’s important to keep them safe and comfortable, you’ll find the change of pace to be refreshing and energizing for them. And you’ll enjoy it as well.
Related Articles:
One of the things residents at our communities love to tell us is how much they enjoyed baking in their earlier years. Whether it was their famous oatmeal cookies or apple pie, the memories of those special treats seldom fade, even as we age. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, those kinds of memories often resurface when presented with activities that bring back the “baker” in them.
Recently, the residents and staff at Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois, were fortunate to experience, firsthand, a cake decorating session, courtesy of local cake decorator, Sheldon Flowers. Sheldon, by the way, learned his skills from watching his grandmother bake cakes years ago. The love of cake decorating was passed down through generations to him and, today, he enjoys making amazing cakes for various local events.
In this session, Sheldon demonstrated how to decorate a two-tiered vanilla wedding cake with a Fall motif. The residents and staff watched with delight as he explain how to adorn the cake with icing “leaves” in Fall colors. Then, each resident then was able to work on their own cupcake creations, amidst bowls of whipped cream as well as frosting in multiple colors and sprinkles.
The event was covered by the local Southtown edition of the Chicago Tribune. Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point, was asked by the reporter why the residents seem to enjoy these kinds of activities so much. “A number of our residents enjoyed baking earlier in their lives,” she explained. “And, for those who haven’t baked before, it’s a wonderful way to experience a new kind of creativity.”
If you are caring for a loved one who once enjoyed baking, consider rekindling their skills by bringing together the ingredients and creating a safe, clean area for them to experience the joy of baking again. These kinds of activities often help bring a renewed sense of purpose into the lives of those challenged by dementia. The experience of doing something that once was a source of pride can bring joy and new meaning to their day (and yours).
Related Articles:
Professional cake decorator, Sheldon Flowers, visited Grace Point Place last week to share some cake decorating secrets with residents of Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Residents even got to participate! Fun was had by all. The event was covered by the local Southtown Edition of the Chicago Tribune.
You can read the full article on the event here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-community-news-st-0925-20200924-67lkyizpyjapfcdm2nmjlhl2em-story.html
When was the last time you had a visit from your local bikers club? Residents and staff at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado were pleasantly surprised recently with a visit from members of the local Motorcycle Club. The event was covered by local Denver Channel 4.
You can read more about this fun event here. https://denver.cbslocal.com/2020/09/24/littleton-memory-care-motorcycle-party/
As we get older, we often find ourselves spending more time reminiscing about our earlier years; where we lived, what we did, and who we knew “back then”. This can be especially true for those individuals living with dementia. While they will lose much of their short-term memory, they often can recall events, people and places from their younger years.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we hear many stories about our residents’ past lives. And they are all fascinating. Lise Chose, a resident of Porter Place Memory Care, often shares her memories of life as a young girl in post-World War II Germany. She remembers the delicious foods and music of those days. After the war, when the Russians came in, her family left for the U.S., where she has lived ever since.
The staff at Porter Place loved to hear Lise’s stories and wanted to do something special to celebrate her 87th birthday. Working with Mike Ditschler, owner of Chef Klaus Bier Stube, a local German restaurant, they were able to recreate a German dining experience for Lise and her family members. The special dinner included wienerschnitzel, liver dumpling soup, red cabbage and apple strudel, polished off with a taste of authentic German beer. To make it even more special, they brought in a professional yodeler and an accordion musician to serenade the meal. The event was covered by the Chicago Tribune Daily Southtown.
Events like Lise’s German dinner are part of Porter Place’s “As You Wish” program, the purpose of which is to “recreate” memories of residents, through decorations, dinners, music and even special performers.
“As someone progresses through their disease, they lose current memories, but they can often remember the past,” Bobbi Kelley, Community Relations Director, told Southtown reporters. “So we try to connect them with the past, and help them connect with something that feels good,” she added.
Celebrating past memories is a great way to engage with those challenged by dementia. While short term memory may be lost, you can still converse about their former careers, hobbies and special events from their youth. By working to recreate the essence of these memories, we can bring joy, laughter and sometime tears of nostalgia to our residents. Family members and our staff members take great delight in creating these special moments.
Janet Burke, Lise’s daughter was thrilled with the dinner and the smile it brought to her mom’s face. “Oh, I’m crying, I’m crying,” she said. “She can’t believe it. She thought I did this and I said no, they did this for you!”
Related Articles:
The staff at Porter Place Memory Care, in Tinley Park, Illinois created a very special dinner Lise Chose, a resident who comes from Germany and misses many of the traditions, including the food and good German beer. Porter Place, along with Mike Ditschler, owner of Chef Klaus Bier Stube, created a very special dinner event for Lise and her family. The event was covered by the Chicago Tribune Daily Southtown. You can read more about it here.