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If you’re into yoga, you may be familiar with a new trend sweeping the country. It’s called “goat yoga”. “Why goats?” you may ask. Goats are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic qualities. These innately gentle creatures are known to be exceptionally even tempered. And, contrary to popular opinion, they are naturally clean animals. They are also easy to transport and manage. All this has made goats a popular addition to the peaceful, quiet yoga environment.

Residents at Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado, have been enjoying visits from goats for over two years. Their presence has proven to have a calming effect as well as adding an element of fun for residents. And, as it happens, Greenridge Place also holds regular yoga sessions. So, it wasn’t long before the staff got the idea to blend the two together and start their own “goat yoga” classes.

News of the unique Greenridge Place yoga sessions spread, eventually getting the attention of CBS local Denver affiliate, KCNC, who recently visited to film one of their sessions. Michelle Meyer, Life Engagement Director, explained to the reporters how the combination of yoga along with the presence of the goats creates a more enriched sensory experience for the residents. “Goats are amazing,” Michelle told the KCNC reporters. “They lift spirits. Especially for the elderly. It’s something that’s a sensory [experience] as well as something soft to touch,” she added.

For many residents, the presence of goats has helped bring back memories of their youth. According to Michelle Meyer, several of the residents have lived in the Midwest all their lives, some on farms with a variety of animals, including goats. Having the opportunity to interact with goats has proven to have a soothing, calming effect on the residents, which helps them to relax their muscles and, therefore, optimize their yoga experience.

In many ways, this isn’t surprising. We know that the presence of animals brings with it a special kind of therapeutic value. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to have our residents interact with animals. We schedule regular visits from all kinds of animals, ranging from dogs and cats to exotic animals from local zoos and reserves. It never fails to bring smiles and laughter to our residents. And that’s the best part of all.

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Learning that a loved one has a dementia can turn your world upside down. It will take some time to wrap your head around the fact that your role as adult child, sibling or spouse will be changing dramatically. The good news, however, is that you are not alone. Far from it. There are more resources today than ever to help those who are suddenly plunged into the role of caregiver.

Here are 5 important steps to take as you begin your journey.

  1. Find care for yourself. There is a good reason we list this point first. If you are not operating on all four cylinders, you will be of little to no help to your loved one with dementia. Schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off. Reach out to those friends and family members who will be most supportive. Consider seeing a therapist, if you don’t have one. Just knowing that you have an hour coming when you can vent and release your fears and frustrations can help you get through hard days. Consider joining a dementia support group where you can share your experience with others in similar situations.
  2. Educate yourself. Thanks to the internet, you can quickly access dozens of helpful websites and on-line resources to help you better understand the disease. Start with www.alz.org, the official website of the Alzheimer’s Association. They have multiple resources and informative articles.
  3. Gather important documents together. This may take time but is well worth the effort in that you will not have to go fishing around for key documents when you have an urgent need for them. Organize all of your documents and make a few copies of each.
  4. Gain “Power of Attorney”. This is the time when you need to decide who, within your family, is in the best position to act on behalf of your loved one as his/her health declines. Talk it over with your loved ones. Once the determination is made, you will need to secure a Power of Attorney. It is a straightforward process, although you may want to retain legal help to make sure it is done properly.
  5. Re-evaluate living arrangements. Does your loved one with dementia live at home? During the early stages of dementia, it may be possible for them to remain at home. However, it is important to safeguard the home as well as to make sure you have a means to regularly check in with your loved one. If you live remotely, you will want to hire someone part time to visit and assist your loved one with daily activities of living as he/she becomes more cognitively and physically impaired.

This is also a good time to evaluate memory care communities. As your loved one’s disease progresses, it will become more and more challenging for them to remain at home. Keeping them socially connected is also important for those with dementia. A memory care community devoted to caring for those with dementia can be an ideal environment for your loved one. Many, such as Anthem, allow for short respite stays so that your loved one can “try it out” for a week or so.

Finally, it is so important to make sure you are reaching out and communicating with family and close friends. You may also need to schedule some family leave time with your place of work while you iron out steps you will be taking over the next several months. Don’t be afraid to share your circumstances with those who are in a position to help. It will make the days and weeks ahead easier to deal with as you begin an important journey as caregiver.

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There is a reason that we have something called “horse therapy”. These majestic, gentle animals have a presence that has been known to calm anxieties and infuse a sense of joy in those around them. This can be especially true for those living with dementia. Stroking the nose of a horse and looking into its large, intelligent eyes can create a deep personal connection that, while mysterious in many ways, is generally acknowledged as therapeutic by physicians, psychologists and, we might add, anyone who has experienced it for themselves.

No one understands this better than Bobbi Kelley, Community Relations Director for Porter Place Memory Care, in Tinley Park, Illinois. A competitive rider herself, Bobbi likes to share her beautiful show horses with the residents and staff members of Porter Place. “Little compares to the pleasure of sharing my passion of horses with others,” Bobbi says.

Recently, Bobbi brought two of her horses, Baloo and Zack, to Porter Place for, what Bobbi refers to as some “horsing around” with the residents. Nearly 100% of the residents participated, feeding the horses carrots, petting them and showering them with kisses. Six residents even got up in the saddle and rode!

For a couple of the residents, the experience was transformational. One previously non-verbal resident, not only spoke, but used a full sentence, proclaiming, ‘Zack, you are beautiful and need an apple!’. Another resident rode around and sang a few bars of “Back in the Saddle Again”. Not only were the residents engaged and energized, the staff members were moved as well. “Yet another reason I love my job,” Bobbi says.

Animal therapy is an important part of creating opportunities for individuals with dementia to connect to the world around them. If you have a loved one challenged with dementia, seek opportunities to bring them together with a pet. Whether it is as small as a hamster or as large as a horse, you will undoubtedly witness a transformation that is well worth the effort. You may also consider contacting your local memory care community and asking when they are next planning to bring animals to visit the residents. Ask if you can bring your loved one to enjoy the experience with them.  

“We pride ourselves on our creativity and active lifestyle opportunities, thus taking a ‘far beyond the ordinary’ approach to memory care,” Bobbi says. “These kinds of events truly capture the essence of our ability to create moments of joy and connect memories with current day sensory skills. The power of pet therapy is truly moving!”

(The photo shown with this article is of Porter Place resident, Mildred Ott.)

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Depression and Alzheimer’s disease, especially in its early stages, have much in common in terms of behavioral changes such as sleeping longer, loss of appetite and withdrawal from activities once enjoyed. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may have noticed behavioral changes that concern you. Of course, you want to make sure you are caring properly for a loved one who may be depressed. But how do you know if your loved one is experiencing true depression, or it is just a manifestation of the disease itself?

The Mayo Clinic has written numerous articles on the topic of depression and dementia and the challenges of distinguishing between the two. Here are some of the symptoms that are common to those with depression and those with Alzheimer’s:

The Mayo Clinic points out that one of the challenges for those with Alzheimer’s and depression is that the individual may not be able to properly communicate their feelings. That is why it’s important for them to have an evaluation by an experienced professional.  

To diagnose depression in an individual with dementia, doctors will work with family members as well as through their own observations. They will look for at least one of the first two of the following symptoms, combined with at least two of the other symptoms. All should be present within a 2-week period.

It should be noted as well that, in some cases, individuals with Alzheimer’s who are experiencing depression may actually present with less severe symptoms, or periods of depression that don’t last as long as they might with an otherwise healthy individual. That’s why a professional evaluation is necessary.

If you suspect that your loved one with Alzheimer’s may also be depressed, it is important to have a trusted physician evaluate them carefully to assess whether or not they are also clinically depressed. If they are, there are several potential treatment options, depending on the nature and severity of the depression. Remember, you are not alone. Instead of waiting and worrying, reach out for professional help. You’ll be glad you did.

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Most of us remember, at some point in our lives, swinging a club in a round of miniature golf. Navigating the many mazes and encounters with cute little houses that would swallow up your golf ball were some of the fun challenges. For others, golf was a serious passion. They would take their clubs and a few friends and play a round or two at the local course on a regular basis.

Either way, getting outside in fresh air and enjoying a relaxing game of golf, even on a putting green, can have a positive therapeutic impact on health and emotional wellbeing.

No one knows this better than the residents of Grace Point Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Recently, the staff and a few “golf aficionado” residents took to the putting green to test their skills and enjoy a pastime several of them recall fondly.

“An activity like golf gets the blood pumping and oxygenates the body,” says Grace Point’s Life Engagement Director, Lisa Siemsen. “Not only is it fun, but the residents are better able to participate in the cognitive, creative or social activity following the physical activity,” she adds. The residents shown in the photograph above are (from left) Verona Hoffman, Toots Boyce and Kathy Ridder.

Experts would agree. Bert Hayslip, Jr., a psychologist who has studied individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, noted in a Wall Street Journal article, “There is something about that game [golf] that imprints itself on peoples’ minds.” He also noted that the things we learn at an early age tend to be the things we remember for the longest time. And this is certainly true for those struggling with dementia. Family members often report to us that, while mom may not remember what she had for lunch, she may quickly recall a conversation held decades ago with a high school friend.

Whether it’s a game of miniature golf or another activity, connecting a loved one to something he or she used to enjoy can help recapture moments of joy that otherwise might remain locked away.

At Anthem Memory Care communities we celebrate the unique lives of all of our residents, always seeking to light their paths towards old memories that can be shared again by their families, other residents and our loving staff.

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You often will hear it in doctors’ offices, stores, restaurants and even at home – younger people treating aging, disabled adults like children. This is especially prevalent in communications with adults who struggle with cognitive loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Even those adult children who vowed they never would, often find themselves resorting to “child speak” with a mom or dad with dementia.

If this sounds like you, first know that you’re not alone. It is a common issue expressed by caregivers of aging parents, especially those with dementia. Why does it happen? It begins as a parent’s behavior becomes less focused and speech becomes more halting and harder to understand. The parent may also have mobility impairments, which adds an additional layer of challenges. And, if they struggle with dementia, they may exhibit spells of erratic behavior. Collectively, these changes can mimic attributes of early childhood (learning to speak, walk, occasional tantrums, etc.). And, while you realize that mom is an adult, your patience may begin to wear thin. That’s when so many adult children resort to interacting in ways that treat the adult like a child.

Does it have to be that way? Not at all. Many adult children caregivers who find themselves slipping into “child speak” and other habits are able to adjust and move on. But for those of you struggling with the transition, here are some thoughts to help you resist these negative patterns and keep the adult-to-adult connection with your cognitively impaired loved one.

Finally, be sure to reach out for help. Get in touch with your local memory care community. Some will offer “dementia virtual reality” experiences that help you better understand what your loved one is going through and why their lives have become so challenging. Many have regular dementia support groups where you can share your feelings and frustrations with other adult children who have similar experiences.

When a parent acts in ways that mimic an angry or wayward child, it’s easy to start treating them as such. It is up to you to break this cycle and re-calibrate your reactions in a positive way that acknowledges your loved one’s challenges yet continues to treat them as the adult they were and remain.

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When school children sat down, recently, to read to Chelsea Memory Care residents the effect was transformational. Residents who may have been harder to connect with found themselves cracking smiles as the children diligently sounded out words, occasionally stopping to exclaim over colorful pictures.

Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado, is a big believer in the benefits of getting children together with residents. So much so, in fact, that they have created their own Grandfriend Project, bringing residents to local elementary schools to have them sit with children and listen to them read.

Chelsea Place was recently honored with the Community Commitment Award from the Pioneer Network for their innovative intergenerational reading program with first grade students from local Fox Hollow Elementary school.

The process is simple, but effective. There are three basic steps to Chelsea Place’s program as follows:

It is always interesting to observe how the residents take on the role of mentors, encouraging the school children to read. It gives the residents an added sense of purpose to sit and listen to the young students and even guide them along occasionally.

The Grandfriend Project is clearly a win-win experience for residents and school children. It helps the children gain a greater understanding of the challenges of those who struggle with dementia. For residents it is a “breath of fresh air” to observe children at the beginning stages of their education, as they begin reading to them. The combined result is that everyone has a greater sense of connectedness to each other, with a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.

At Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe in the many benefits of inter-generational activities. We have seen, over and over again, the amazing therapeutic and emotional impact of children interacting with our residents. Seeing the faces of our residents light up and the smiles of the children are always well worth the effort!

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August is National Wellness Month. It’s a good time to reflect on your own health as well as explore new ways of living a healthier life. This is especially important for those of you caring for a loved one struggling dementia. You need to keep your own health operating on all cylinders to be able to cope with the many daily challenges you and your loved one encounter.

The International Council on Aging has created a wellness model that involves seven dimensions of wellness. Take a moment to read about them and consider them in context with your health and how they may impact your daily life.

  1. Emotional: How you cope with your own feelings can have a direct impact on your emotional frame of mind. If you find yourself feeling stressed with persistent negative thoughts, you may want to consider peer counseling and stress management classes to help you better cope. Caregivers should seek out dementia support groups in your area.
  2. Intellectual, cognitive: When was the last time you played a game of cards or a board game, such as chess? Engaging in stimulating activities helps keep our brains sharp and our outlook intellectually active. These games can be helpful to those with mild cognitive impairment, helping to retain brain pathways to keep memory intact for as long as possible.
  3. Physical: We all know how important regular physical activity is to our overall wellbeing. Why is it so hard to get up and get moving? You don’t have to run a marathon to experience the benefits of physical activity. Try walking or a light, daily workout. Encourage an elderly loved one to join you. Try also to substitute healthy foods for processed foods and high sugar desserts. Limit your alcohol intake and, if you smoke, make the commitment to stop. Follow some common sense guidelines and you’ll look better and feel better!
  4. Professional, vocational: Everyone needs to have a sense of purpose in life. Even if you are retired, there are lots of things you can do to feel useful. Learning new skills and keeping old ones sharp help us to stay connected to the world around us. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, find things that he or she can do to contribute, no matter how small. It can make a big difference.
  5. Social: Few things can do more damage to our wellbeing than becoming socially isolated. Maintaining ties with family and friends is so important, especially as we age. For individuals with dementia, those relationships take on new meaning, helping them connect with their earlier lives and keep the brain active and engaged. Make sure you regularly participate in activities that bring you in contact with others. If you have a loved one with dementia, try arranging visits from young family members and friends. Inter-generational activities are particularly beneficial to wellness.
  6. Spiritual: Whether you consider yourself “religious” or not, most of us feel a sense of calmness when we are able to put aside our own frustrations and focus on more spiritual elements and concepts. Whether it involves regularly visiting your own house of worship or engaging in other spiritual activities, such as meditation, making the higher connection has a way of easing the daily stress of living and focusing outside of ourselves on connecting to the greater world around us.
  7. Environmental: Taking better care of the world around us can help us to take better care of ourselves. Doing small, daily things to help keep your immediate environment “greener” makes good sense, promoting the wellness concept out to benefit others. Look for ways you can get better at recycling and taking care of your environment. You’ll feel better for contributing and doing your part to make the world safer and healthier for those generations that follow.

While August is wellness month, it’s important to regard the tenants of wellness as more than just a once-a-year concept. Look at ways you can make your day to day living situation healthier. Reach out to others in need and help if possible. Wellness can become an integral part of your life with a little thought and practice. You’ll feel better, happier and more connected to all the things that matter!

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When we think of dementia, the primary focus is on how it impacts short term memory. However, an often overlooked consequence of the disease is how it affects the way the brain recognizes and processes the five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, here are some sensory changes to look for, along with some things you can do to help. (Note that some of the information below is provided courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Resource Center):

  1. Sight: While there may be no physical abnormality of the eye, the ability of the brain to interpret images may become impaired. This may create confusion, which leads to, among other things, the inability to recognize familiar faces and places. It also impairs the ability to discern colors and shapes. It is important to help a loved one with vision issues by using things like color contrast strips to help them differentiate things like drawers, cabinets and steps.
  2. Smell: This is often one of the first senses to be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The individual may experience either confusion as to what they smell or a lack of sensory capability. It is important if caring for an individual living alone, to keep the refrigerator and cupboards clear of outdated and spoiled food.
  3. Taste: Loss of the ability to smell impacts our taste buds. Because the loss of smell is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, so will the individual’s ability to taste. This is particularly dangerous in that it can result in eating spoiled food and/or drinks. Just as with the loss of smell, food items should be checked regularly for freshness and removed when they become spoiled.
  4. Hearing: An individual with Alzheimer’s may test as having excellent hearing and yet still be unable to process certain sounds. As you can imagine, this can cause a great deal of confusion and anxiety. That is why a calm, quiet environment is optimum for those with dementia. Speak slowly and calmly and encourage visiting friends and family to do the same.
  5. Touch: Yes, even the sense of touch can be impacted by dementia. That means an individual with Alzheimer’s disease may not experience the sensations of heat and cold. It’s important to safeguard their environment and consider doing things like color coding faucets for hot/cold water as well as putting warning stickers on the oven and range top.

Understanding the impact of dementia on the senses can help you better prepare for changes experienced by a loved one with dementia. By recognizing the degeneration of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch you can take precautions to help avoid further agitation as well as dangerous accidents.

At Anthem Memory Care communities, our staff members are experienced in assisting with the sensory changes associated with dementia. The rooms, hallways and courtyards of our buildings have been optimized to support individuals with dementia and to help ensure that they continue to experience a high quality of life by keeping them safe, comfortable and connected to those around them.

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Have you ever noticed how a good night’s sleep can make the next day’s challenges just a bit more bearable and the high points a bit more enjoyable? Of course you have. We have all experienced the added energy and improved frame of mind that comes with good sleep. And, conversely, we all know how a bad night’s sleep can derail just about everything we do the next day.

Those who care for loved ones with dementia are especially vulnerable to the aftereffects of a sleepless night. And, if you’re like so many, you have plenty of sleepless nights spent worrying about your loved one, yourself, finances, health and so on. The list goes on and on.

With some patience and planning you can get the sleep you need. Here are three tips to get you moving in the right direction:

  1. Carve out a time to “worry”. This may sound counter-productive, but experts say that creating a time of day when you give yourself permission to focus on your worries and concerns helps you gain better control over your thoughts and emotions. Write down your concerns along with some steps you can take to solve them, if it’s possible. Keep them in a drawer for the next day. But be sure to keep with your schedule. Putting aside a “worry hour” can help you function much more effectively during the day as well as helping you sleep.
  2. Create a sleep routine. When you are ready for bed try meditation, yoga or simply stretching to relax your muscles and clear your mind. You might listen to some soft music as you get ready for bed. Try to avoid eating a heavy meal within an hour of going to bed. Avoid stimulating activities, like video games or watching TV. Once you get good at your sleep routine your body will begin to calm down quickly, recognizing that it is time for sleep.
  3. Create an atmosphere geared to sleep. If it’s possible to have your own bedroom, turn it into your own “sanctuary” with soft lighting and as little noise as possible. Before bed you might try putting out scented oil or candle. Your room should be devoid of anything (non-critical) that keeps you connected to your caregiving duties, if possible. So forms, medication lists, and other paperwork connected to your caregiving should be put in another room.

Don’t expect miracles overnight. Learning to think in new ways and form new habits takes time. Be patient with yourself. It will take time to “get good at” falling and staying sleeping. Keep at it. Remember, you deserve a restful, restorative 7-8 hours of sleep each night. You can and will get there. And, once you do, you will find the result well worth your efforts. So, by the way, will your loved ones.

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Are you getting ready to take a vacation? Are you wondering whether to take along a mom or dad who has dementia? It’s an understandable concern. Vacations, while they can be relaxing, involve getting away from familiar rooms, backyards and routines. That’s why we take them; to enjoy a break from the daily grind and experience different sights and sounds. For someone with dementia, however, a departure from routine can create anxiety which, in turn, can exacerbate the symptoms of the disease and disrupt their daily life.

And yet, a vacation that is restful and relaxing can have a therapeutic effect for individuals with dementia. So, what to do?

Part of the answer to that question lies in assessing the cognitive ability of your loved one. For individuals with mild dementia, a relaxing getaway can be enjoyable. For those in the mid stages, the disruption to their daily lives may outbalance any potential benefits. Most professionals recommend that traveling, if possible, be restricted to those individuals in earlier stages of dementia. A brief discussion with your loved one’s doctor may be helpful.

Also, consider the type of vacation you are taking. An active vacation involving multiple destinations, with tour deadlines and lots of activities is probably not a good fit for any aging parent, especially one with dementia. A relaxing respite at a seaside rental house or mountain retreat, however, can provide plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation.

With these things in mind, if you’re ready to move forward with your plans, there are still things you’ll need to do to optimize the vacation experience for your loved one with dementia as well as other family members and friends. Here are some tips to consider.

There are plenty of additional travel tips, including air travel with individuals who have dementia, which are available from the Alzheimer’s Association, and which you can access here.

Vacationing with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease will never be 100% stress free. If you are caring for a mom or dad with dementia, you know that there are daily challenges to meet that make total relaxation hard to achieve. Make sure you are traveling with family members and/or close friends who can pitch in and help so that you can take a walk by yourself or go out with a friend in the evening. With proper planning and preparation, your vacation can be enjoyed by everyone.

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Do you meditate? If so, you are well aware of the power of meditation to restore a sense of calm and physical relaxation. If you don’t meditate you may want to consider it. This is especially true if you are caring for an elderly loved one. A UCLA study found that mindful meditation not only helped reduce feelings of depression and loneliness among caregivers, it also helped reduce inflammatory proteins that can lead to heart disease and other chronic diseases. The study also found that the healing potential of meditation and its therapeutic effect on the brain may even play a role in reducing risks that can lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease!

While all this is important, most of those who meditate would say that they don’t need studies to tell them how powerful the therapeutic impact of meditation is and its ability to, in effect, “reboot” the brain. Here are a few potential benefits of meditation, from The Mayo Clinic:

Emotional Health and Well-being:

Physical health:

There is also research that suggests meditation may help individuals more effectively control and manage these conditions:

The Mayo Clinic cautions that, while research increasingly supports the many health benefits of meditation, there remain some researchers who believe it is not yet possible to draw conclusions. Therefore, they urge individuals to check in with their healthcare providers as to the pros and cons of using meditation to tackle any serious health issues.

What most professionals do agree on, however, is that meditation is able to focus our attention away from negative, stress inducing thoughts, and refocus on establishing a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

There are several different types of meditation to choose from. So, it may be wise to choose a beginner’s class to learn about them and to find out which style works best for you. Take time to explore your options and, with a little patience and a consistent effort, you may find that meditation can make your life as a caregiver just a bit easier and less stressful. That, in and of itself, may be worth the effort.

Art has a way of connecting people and communicating emotions. Many artists find that they are more able to share their feelings and life experiences through painting and other artistic endeavors.

For individuals challenged by dementia, art can often unlock emotions and memories that other forms of expression cannot. That is why exposure to art for those with dementia can be so therapeutic, giving the individual a sense of purpose when other activities fall short.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a unique program called Memories in the Making® geared to individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It is designed to bring comfort and joy through the art of watercolor painting. The program not only gives individuals with dementia an opportunity to experience and share the essence of who they are through art, it provides a unique way to raise money towards finding a cure for this devastating disease. In a nutshell, here’s how it works: The Alzheimer’s Association works with memory care communities, dispatching a professional artist to work with a select group of residents on a project. The art they produce (must be 100% the work of the individual) is judged by a panel and, if selected, will become part of their gallery exhibition, where it can be purchased, the proceeds of which go to local programs to fight Alzheimer’s disease.   

Elle Fore, Life Engagement Director for Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton Colorado, had worked with the Memories in the Making program at another community. She knew she wanted to bring the program to residents at Highline Place. However, this is a popular program and there is a waitlist. It can take years before a community is accepted. But Elle was not to be deterred. She kept after it and even created a watercolor art program of her own, working with artistically inclined residents to create some wonderful artwork. So, when Elle got the call that Highline Place was selected to participate, she and her residents were more than ready.

That was about five years ago. Since 2015, over a dozen artists at Highline Place have had their artwork accepted for the gallery. Every year, the Alzheimer's Association hosts an Artist’s Tea, inviting the participating residents and their families to celebrate the artwork they have created. This year, the artwork of Highline Place resident Emily Warner (her photo is shown above) was selected by the Memories in Making committee for the gallery exhibition. Emily has an interesting history. In addition to being an inspiring artist, she has the distinction of being America’s first female commercial flight captain.

At Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe in the powerful therapeutic benefits of art. Our art sessions bring a sense of renewed purpose to our residents. We celebrate the joy art brings to our residents, their families and our staff. So we encourage all those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s to create simple art projects that you can enjoy together. It will be time well spent for both of you.

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Do you like to garden? If you do, then you’re well acquainted with its multiple, long lasting benefits. But did you know that gardening is also therapeutic for individuals challenged with dementia? That’s because gardening has been linked to improved emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

If you have a loved one with dementia, this is a good time to consider the therapeutic benefits of doing a little gardening together, especially as we head into the warmer months. Here are three major benefits to get your motivated:

  1. Improves mental health. The act of working the soil with your fingers provides a sense of calm and relaxation that individuals with dementia may find hard to achieve elsewhere. The sounds of nature that surround them and the smell of fresh plants all contribute to a heightened sense of wellbeing. It helps remove some of the ongoing triggers to anxiety and therefore can lower stress levels. It also gives an individual a greater sense of purpose.
  2. Improves physical health. Between the physical movements involved in gardening and the breathing in of fresh air, an individual’s oxygen levels increase. This is good for brain health. Movement, relaxation and fresh air can also lower blood pressure and improve muscle strength and flexibility. The sun overhead can increase the levels of vitamin D in the body, which may even boost immunity!
  3. Provides a more natural way to connect. Because gardening can reduce stress, you may find that your conversation with your loved one may flow more naturally. That’s because the diversion of working with the soil puts less focus on talking and more on simply enjoying working alongside each other.

A few words of caution as you begin your gardening projects. If you have never gardened or it’s been a long time, be sure to start off slowly. This is especially important if you are introducing (or re-introducing) gardening to a loved one with dementia. Keep initial gardening sessions short and simple. You might try arranging a small bucket of soil, a couple pots and a few plants on an outdoor table. Make sure you both have gardening gloves that fit and are not too bulky. It’s important that initial gardening projects are fun and easy to accomplish. Pay special attention to any signs of overheating or anxiety from your loved one and know when to “call it a day”.

At Anthem Memory Care communities, we celebrate the healing power of the outdoors with our central courtyards and gardens that create a peaceful environment for our residents. We encourage them to participate in gardening as it provides a purposeful activity and gives everyone a sense of contributing to their own environment and wellbeing.

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Most of us can recall throughout our childhood being cared for by our parents. And, more often than not, it was mom who fed and bathed us, bandaged our cuts and bruises, and made sure we took our vitamins and stayed healthy. Today, however, for so many adult children the roles have become reversed. That loving mom or dad who raised you now turns to you to meet their needs. And, when he or she has dementia, those needs can  emerge quickly and become all consuming.

Making the transition from your parent’s child to his or her caregiver can feel overwhelming. It can also become isolating for those who feel alone in their situation and find it hard to reach out for help. That isolation can have a negative impact on both emotional and physical health.

Here are some thoughts to guide you through and help you take steps to make this challenging journey a bit easier, not only for yourself but also for your parent.

Accept that there will be discomfort with your new role. Many adult children react to becoming their parent’s caregiver with expectations of perfection. Others back away from the role altogether. Both are understandable reactions to an uncomfortable new reality. But, while circumstances may require you to step up and take control quickly, understand that it will take time to adjust emotionally. Accept the fact that there will be discomfort. Above all, don’t expect perfection from yourself or your parent. Try to start each day with the realization that you will do the best you can under the circumstances.

This is not a “role reversal”. You are both adults. It is important to remember that, while mom may act in ways you have never witnessed before, she is an adult, not a child. And she is just as unhappy with her illness as you are. Sometimes articulating the message that “we are in this together, mom” can be helpful. There is a sense of greater strength if you are working as a team. And, while you are the ones making more of the decisions, there will be a greater sense of equality, less impacted by your past roles as parent and child.

Reach out for help. Don’t expect to take this journey without outside help. Join a dementia support group so that you can share your challenges with others going through similar transitions. If family members and friends extend an offer to help, accept it! Plan periodic short term, respite stays for your parent at your local memory care community. It will give you time to re-charge and take care of your own health.

Remember, too, to seek opportunities to share some lighthearted moments with your parent whenever possible. A little laughter can do wonders to relieve some of the strain on both of you. Yes, it can be hard to find, especially when you are having a bad day. It takes some work, especially in the beginning, but you’ll get better at finding humor as time goes on.

Finally, keep communicating, even if you feel your parent isn’t listening. Tell them, “I know this is hard for both of us. We’re not perfect, but we won’t give up on each other. We’ll get through this together.” In time, you’ll realize that this message is as much for you as it is for your loved one.

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