It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that the American Psychological Association identifies the holidays as the time of year causing the highest amount of stress, particularly for women and especially for those providing ongoing care to older parents. It isn’t any wonder why.
Having to wedge in shopping and holiday planning between caregiving piles on extra layers of stress to primary caregivers, especially those caring for someone with memory loss. And, yes, while others may chip in to help here and there, there is always that clock ticking inside your head reminding you that those moments away from mom or dad are limited. You must “make the most” of your time. Now try relaxing with that thought hanging over your head!
Caregiver burnout, especially during the holidays, can sneak up on you. You tend to blame your fatigue on the hustle and bustle of the season. But once it’s taken hold, it can lead to depression, anxiety, a weakened immune system and higher risk for chronic disease.
But there is a ray of hope for caregivers. It’s called respite care, and many don’t realize the enormous positive impact that taking even one week away from the stresses of caregiving can make.
A respite break is a health necessity, benefiting both caregivers and their loved ones.
Here is how a one-week respite benefits the caregiver:
Here is how a one-week respite at a local senior living or memory care community benefits the loved one:
Once you make the decision to take advantage of respite care from a local senior living community, here are some important things to consider:
By doing your homework and asking the right questions, you will be sending a message to the senior care community that a) you are serious about getting premium care for your loved one, and b) you may become a prospective client. Furthermore, you will have some additional information under your belt if and when you decide to use that provider again for another respite or for long term stay.
There is still time to arrange for a week of respite for your loved one. Take your time to find the right one. Anthem Memory Care communities are featuring winter respite specials throughout December and January. Above all, remember that this may be the most important gift you give to yourself, your family and to your loved one this holiday season.
As families and friends gather together this Thanksgiving, it’s easy to lose oneself in all the festivities, the great food and the fun of celebration. But beneath all the fun is, as we know, a time honored tradition of giving thanks. Some of us may say a prayer before the meal, others may go around the table and ask each person what he or she is thankful for. Still others simply rejoice in being together as utterances of “please pass the cranberry sauce” mark the beginning of a feast of a special day.
For families with memory impaired loved ones, Thanksgiving can be a very different kind of holiday from that which we knew as children and young adults. Memories are often locked away along with recognition of the faces of those seated around the table. Yet, at our Anthem Memory Care communities, Thanksgiving never fails to spark a memory or two, as words of “thanks” ring out while we celebrate with an early Thanksgiving dinner.
Porter Place, our Anthem community in Tinley Park, Illinois, is a great example. As residents and their families finished up the last of the pumpkin pie, an easy and comfortable connection could be felt, between each other and with the caregivers who have become a special part of their daily lives. Resident Van Johnson felt the connection, exclaiming “I am so thankful for all of you with me here today, you all feel like family!” “Thank you for everything,” said George Ettinger, also a Porter Place resident. “That was a great Thanksgiving meal!”
And, while for many, Thanksgiving seems but a day along a continuum of days, the celebratory atmosphere and smell of turkey and pie can’t help but lift everyone up. Such was the case in Chico, California, for Amber Grove Place resident, Ron Hulen, who shared his thoughts with Brenda Reitz, Life Enrichment Director. “It’s all about love. Everything you do is for love,” he told her in a soft, reassuring voice.
To all of those very special families with memory impaired loved ones: May Thanksgiving bring you special moments of peace, comfort and joy.
The photo is courtesy of Harvester Place, an Anthem Memory Community in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
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One evening, back in the early 1990’s, teen-aged Isaac Scott sat in front of the TV as Tom Brokaw launched into a news segment on the topic of something called “Alzheimer’s disease”. Almost instantly, Isaac’s mom turned to him and said, “That’s what we think your grandmother has.”
Research into Alzheimer’s disease was still in its infancy and the term was not part of our vernacular as it is today. There was no Alz.org or Walks for the Cure. But over the next 20 years, Isaac’s family would go on to lose three out of four of his grandparents to Alzheimer’s.
November is National Family Caregivers Month. What better way to mark it than by sharing the deeply personal caregiving experience with Alzheimer’s that motivated Isaac Scott to build, along with Mark Rockwell and Lewis McCoy, a new kind of memory care community – one that his grandmother would have approved of.
No one understands the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s better than caregivers who have lived through it.
Isaac grew up in Portland, Oregon with his parents and three younger brothers. Being especially close to his maternal grandmother, the realization that her swings in behavior were a symptom of a deadly disease was heartbreaking. Even more heartbreaking was witnessing his grandmother slip away from the person he trusted and loved into a stranger; someone he didn’t know, and who didn’t know him.
“Alzheimer’s is particularly cruel in that it often manifests itself in behavior that can be shocking and humiliating to the individual and to their families,” says Isaac. “As a caregiver, I experienced this firsthand and it was devastating.”
The old nursing home model was depressing and demoralizing.
Her health continued to deteriorate to the point where Isaac and his family made the decision to move her to an environment where she could get 24/7 care from professionals. That was Isaac’s introduction to a world of ill prepared and poorly managed nursing homes. It was institutional in every way --- from the tile floors to the harsh florescent lighting to the inescapable odor of cleaning fluid.
Reluctantly, with no alternatives at hand, they tried out a few of the nursing homes. But none lasted long. “I’ll never forget going in to visit and seeing my grandfather, sitting with my grandmother holding one of those big foam ‘noodles’,” says Isaac. “These were educated adults, not children. When I questioned the childish activities, they simply responded, ‘That’s the program we run.’”
There had to be a better way.
Ultimately their hard work paid off in the discovery of Cornelia’s Place; a 5-bedroom foster home, run by an engaging Russian mother, her 2 sisters and her daughters. It was spacious, clean and well kept, complete with the pleasing aroma of fresh cooking. These were caregivers who truly loved their work. They read the newspaper to his grandfather and they manicured his grandmother’s nails and styled her hair. In short they took the time to get to know and love both of them. What a difference.
Both of Isaac’s grandparents lived out the rest of their lives at Cornelia’s Place. What Isaac didn’t realize at the time was that Cornelia’s Place, along with all the painful experiences leading up to its discovery, would form the rough blueprint for Anthem Memory Care.
Fast forward to a new millennium and a fresh approach to memory care.
Isaac spent the next couple decades in a career that led to real estate development and into a partnership with friend and colleague, Mark Rockwell. And they had something in common. Mark, as it turned out, had lost a parent to dementia. But when the economy tanked in 2008, so did their real estate holdings. After a few years and some less-than-successful business ventures, Isaac and Mark came to a point of reckoning. Senior living was an emerging market they cared about. It was also one in which they could leverage their experience in real estate. And, Isaac had never forgotten his grandmother’s experiences. Was there is a way to channel all the great things about Cornelia’s Place and expand them to a model that a larger group of residents could enjoy?
“Basically we threw out the entire nursing home model and replaced it with one crafted along the lines of Cornelia’s Place. So, instead of cramped rooms and gloomy hallways we designed large open spaces, fireplaces and bright airy kitchens and dining areas,” says Isaac.
As the physical infrastructure came together, so emerged a new person-centered model for training and engaging the caregivers who would work inside the freshly painted walls. “Indelibly etched in my memory were the worn, uninspired faces of the caregivers I’d see in those nursing homes I had visited years ago,” says Isaac. “We wanted to create an environment that would inspire the same kind of authenticity and genuine loving care that I had found in Cornelia’s Place. One in which caregivers would feel more connected to each other and to the residents.”
Creating a place where his grandparents would have thrived.
Walking through the high ceilinged rooms and halls of an Anthem Memory Care community one can see Isaac’s labor of love come to life. Residents are able to move freely, yet safely, throughout the building. They can walk outside in the courtyard or find a quiet place to relax in the living room. There are plenty of adult-focused activities and opportunities for social interaction. “We want to make sure that there is always something going on,” says Isaac. “But, just as important, is to have plenty of areas where residents can find peace and quiet,” he adds.
Finally, came an unexpected moment of validation for Isaac. And it came during the opening of Vineyard Place, the newest Anthem Memory Care community in Murrieta, California. Isaac’s parents, who live nearby, were invited to attend. “As I walked my mom and dad through the halls, my mom turned to me and said, ‘Wow. There was nothing like this when your grandmother was alive!’”
Those few words, says Isaac, made the entire journey worthwhile.
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Veteran’s Day is a day of reflection, when we honor those who have fought for our freedom throughout the years. While younger vets have protected us in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, we still have living vets who fought in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Chelsea Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, is home to veterans of several wars. To honor them, Chelsea Place’s Jenni Seaman, Life Engagement Director, along with the team at Fox Hollow Elementary, organized a local parade down the streets of Aurora, Colorado.
The event was covered by “9News” local NBC affiliate, KUSA. You can watch the entire video here.
Families of the participants were eager to share their thoughts and feelings about the special event. Vietnam veteran, Terry Vaughn, a Chelsea Place resident, said “It makes me proud. From generals to colonels [service] is one big organization.”
It is interesting to note that often, for those veterans with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, long term memories can remain strong. As Jenni Seaman noted, “That history they have as a veteran resides in their long-term memory which is still intact even through the dementia process.”
Chelsea Place is active in the community at large, with programs designed to bring seniors together with young people and to share experiences and stories. The Veteran’s Day parade is just one of many such programs. And the relationship between the residents and caregivers is extraordinarily close. “We have a very deep connection,” Jenni Seaman says. “They're not my work, they're not my job. They're my friends and my family and my passion and to be able to open up their world like this - it just makes me so proud.”
To find out more about Chelsea Place’s engagement program, please visit their website. To find an Anthem Memory Care community near you, visit our communities page.
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“Oh no. My dad would never want to share his suite with a roommate!”
Concerns like this are often voiced during tours of memory care communities. The family members are often reluctant to consider roommates in memory care communities for their loved ones. And it’s understandable, given that most individuals, prior to moving into a community, have either been living alone or have had contact with only close family members. Why would they want to share a room with a total stranger?
For individuals with Alzheimer’s, socialization is more important than ever.
Anne Ellett is a respected dementia care expert and the founder of MemoryCareSupport.com, a website which provides information and examines care issues for individuals with dementia. Anne knows what many, who have dedicated their lives to memory care know. That is, companionship, especially in the form of sharing space, can go a long way towards promoting emotional health in memory care residents. By “sharing space,” Anne is referring to anything ranging from sharing a reading area, to sharing a dinner table, to sharing a suite with a roommate.
“My mom’s a very private person. She won’t want to share her room with anyone.”
Many families are reluctant to put their “unsociable” loved one in a room with a stranger on day one of their admittance into memory care. Yet, once the move is made, caregivers often report dramatic improvements when individuals with dementia have someone else sharing their suite.
Here are two key benefits of having roommates in memory care:
But privacy is still important.
Sharing a room, however, doesn’t mean the individual loses his or her rights to privacy. They need to have privacy for grooming and bathing. They also have the right to an undisturbed good night’s sleep. That’s why, according to Anne, it’s important for the community care provider to make sure that roommates are compatible and respectful of one another.
The biggest obstacles to roommates are us, not our parents.
But the bottom line is that it’s hard for us, as adult children, to imagine our mom or dad living with a roommate. It conjures up negative images of hospital rooms where only a thin curtain separates a loved one from a complete stranger. After all, our parents are adults; they are used to having privacy.
Anne understands this concern. “Even when they grow dependent, we still continue to think of our parents as the heads of the household,” says Anne. “They made all the decisions. They were in charge. And, when they went into their bedroom, they closed the door. Privacy was taken for granted.”
For those reasons, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your memory care provider. “Ideally, an individual can start off in a single room,” says Anne. “That gives the memory care provider time to assess his or her personality and temperament before attempting to match them with potential roommates.”
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We are proud to announce that our Anthem Memory Care community, Chelsea Place, in Aurora, Colorado has been selected as a "Caring Star of 2017” for service excellence in memory care for two years in a row!
Here’s what this means to those seeking exemplary care for a loved one:
“With the number of Coloradans with dementia expected to increase over 37% by 2025, more families are searching for innovative care,” said David Hoppe, Chelsea Place executive director. “We believe the Caring Star award highlights our commitment to providing excellence, meaning and purpose to those with the disease as well as support and resources for family members. We are the only Colorado memory care community to win this important award for two years in a row.”
The positive feedback that led to Chelsea Place being a Caring Star of 2017 includes:
"Congratulations to Chelsea Place for achieving this award," said Karen Cassel, Caring.com CEO. "This important milestone speaks volumes about the positive difference Chelsea Place is making in serving older adults, and we join with the local community in celebrating their accomplishment."
Americans are increasingly seeking insights provided by online reviews to help guide important senior care decisions for aging or ailing loved ones. Now entering its sixth year, the Caring Stars annual list helps consumers reliably narrow senior living options for their loved ones to the most-acclaimed communities – particularly as they gather for the holidays and discover increased or urgent senior care needs.
Kudos to the team at Chelsea Place and all the great work they are doing! We’re proud of all of our Anthem Memory Care communities and their dedication to protect, engage and love our residents. Our experienced, caring teams and beautifully designed communities are helping to shape a dynamic new generation of memory care.
Above photo is of David Hoppe, Executive Director of Chelsea Place, and a resident.
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Recently Bill Hohs, co-founder of CareSpireVets, joined a focus group conducted at Willowbrook Place, an Anthem Memory Care community located in Littleton, Colorado. CareSpireVets is an organization run by Bill and his wife, Pam Peterson-Hohs, which provides Aid and Attendance pensions for wartime vets. They’ve been doing this for 12 years, now, yet Bill considers himself to be an educator first, providing vets with options based on a set of criteria. One is “life expectancy”. It goes without saying that this is an important topic for those with loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.
One of the participants asked Bill why it is so hard to talk about life expectancy; especially with our parents. “Because nothing is ever going to happen to us,” was his rather wry reply.
Yet, in so many ways, Bill is right. Even though we may be in our 50’s or 60’s, when it comes to considering a parent’s life expectancy, we tend to become children again, choosing to believe that he or she will go on for many more years. Yet we know that’s not the case.
Alzheimer’s life expectancy may be shorter than we’d like to think.
While we can never know for certain, for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the life expectancy is typically less than family members care to admit.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health have discovered that the average survival time for people diagnosed at age 65 is 8.3 years. The average life expectancy for people diagnosed at age 90 is 3.4 years.
So, while we may know this cognitively, emotionally we struggle to connect with that reality. And, due to that, there is a tendency to over-estimate things like the cost for in-home or residential memory care, as well as to under-estimate the planning involved for making end-of-life arrangements.
The group asked Bill if there was a way to face the reality of life expectancy without feeling that you are abandoning all hope for your loved one.
Listen to how you describe your mom or dad’s health. You are giving yourself the answer.
Bill makes an interesting suggestion, based on his work with CareSpireVets. “Listen to yourself,” he says. “I’m in the business of talking about life expectancy. If someone has very little time to live, a pension makes no sense. So I have to listen to what people say in that regard. And I find the longer they talk, the more they reveal to themselves what they really know, deep down, about their own parent’s life expectancy.”
If you can accept the inevitability, you can make the best of the time left.
Bill’s own experience with his mom, who passed away from Alzheimer’s, has helped him to help others who struggle with the reality of the disease. He understands the sense of duty to one’s parents to take care of them and the desire not to appear to “give up” on them. Yet, by facing the truth, it really can, as the Bible says “set you free.”
As Bill reflected on this he shared a parting thought. “Once you come to terms with the reality that he or she really could pass away any time, it actually becomes easier,” he said. “You’ve made peace with the truth. And that’s a comforting feeling.”
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It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a goofy photo of Bob Hope or a glam photo of Rita Hayworth. What matters is how sharing these photographs helps stimulate memories for those challenged by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And no one understands this better than the team at our Chelsea Place memory care community in Aurora, Colorado.
Precious memories rekindled and moments shared.
One of the advantages of a person-centered community is that unique and creative ideas that benefit the residents are always welcomed. So when Ken Gustafson, executive chef at Chelsea Place, suggested to Jennifer Seaman, life engagement director, that he bring in his Hollywood collection of autographed photographs from his wife's Dream Theater in Russell, Kansas, the answer was a resounding “Yes!”. The result was a Hollywood-themed walk down memory lane, with plenty of sizzle and glamor as the photographs, presented in the festive setting, rekindled long term memories for many of the residents.
One such resident is Warren Cateron, a 95-year old World War II veteran. Warren took one look at a photo of Bob Hope and recognized him almost instantly. And for 90-year old Ruth Updike, the photos brought back memories, not only of the stars, but of watching the films with her husband so many years ago. She remarked “I remember watching westerns with my husband on our ranch, and I remember riding my horse, and his name was Whiskey.”
Sharing old photographs stimulates memories and more.
Moments like these are precious at Chelsea Place, especially when a resident’s loved ones are present. While the resident may not remember his or her own children, they can still connect to them by sharing other memories. And that is a good thing. As Jennifer Seaman relates, “It’s drawing all of those things out by just standing in front of the room and literally holding a photo.”
The photo collection included over 40 original autographed black and white still portraits of Bette Davis, John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and many more stars of the era. The photos of Rita Hayworth are especially poignant as the talented and beautiful actress died of complications relating to Alzheimer’s back in 1987.
The Hollywood photo event at Chelsea Place serves as a reminder that sharing old photographs can be a key towards stimulating memories that otherwise may have gone untapped. The power of a simple old back and white photo to unlock an old memory never ceases to amaze our residents, their families and our Anthem team.
Nothing illustrates this better than the glow on the face of 90-year old Ruth Updike when showed a photo of John Wayne. “Oh my heavens,” she exclaimed. “He’s one of my favorites.” Somehow, that simple statement makes it all worthwhile.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, your main goal is probably to keep him or her at home for as long as possible. Why? Because you made a promise that you wouldn’t send them to “one of those homes”.
And who can blame you? It isn’t hard to conjure up images of people in wheelchairs, parked in front of a table full of bingo cards or attempting to cut out silly paper hats they would never wear 5 years ago.
Things have changed dramatically. Because we, too, share those images and those concerns.
What’s happening is that we are getting better at understanding the “aging” process as research uncovers new insights and approaches to caring for our older loved ones. A new breed of senior care providers is emerging led by people, like you and us, who are committed to a new kind of care. We call it person-centered care and it replaces, once and for all, the de-humanizing, one-size-fits-all care model of yesterday.
Let’s look at 4 common issues that many families have and discover how the right memory care provider addresses them:
As you evaluate each of the above, take this into consideration as well: Research continues to show that memory impaired individuals do better in socialized environments than in isolated home care environments. That’s because their senses are continuously being stimulated around different people and situations, fostering a stronger sense of connectedness to those around them.
The right community is out there for your loved one.
So, even if you’re reluctant to consider a memory care community, you owe it to yourself to visit one and see for yourself how the care model has changed. Challenge them! Ask tough questions about how your loved one’s individual personality will be respected. Ask if they provide truly “person-centered” care. Find out if they offer daily engagements that cover a broad range of personal tastes and that keep in mind your loved one’s education level, prior lifestyle and unique personality traits.
Remember, a good memory care community is just that - a community. Reserved, outgoing, independent, sociable, sophisticated, salt-of-the-earth; all personality traits and preferences should be respected and the dignity of each individual preserved. It’s what we, at Anthem, believe “community” is all about.
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With the death of Robin Williams, millions of people were introduced to the term “Lewy Body Dementia”. Few understood what it was; only that it was a disease with a funny-sounding name. And one which contributed to the overwhelming depression and ultimate suicide of a very funny guy.
Well there is nothing funny about Lewy Body Dementia. It is the second most common type of dementia, behind Alzheimer’s. And, for anyone with an aging loved one, it’s important to know as much as possible about Lewy Body Dementia, or “LBD”.
Here are a few facts:
It’s important to catch LBD as early as possible. It’s also important to get a second opinion to ensure that an accurate assessment and diagnosis is made.
How do you know if your loved one is developing Lewy Body Dementia?
The Alzheimer’s Association lists the following key indications of LBD:
You can see from the list above how the symptoms can be confused with other illnesses and potentially misdiagnosed. And that can be problematic. Because many of the drugs that work to reduce the effects of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can actually worsen the effects of LBD, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA).
Don’t go it alone.
It’s important to learn as much as possible about LBD and to locate resources you can trust. Anthem Memory Care communities provide free monthly dementia support groups; a great source of information and support for anyone dealing with the challenges of LBD. We urge you to contact us for information on a support group in your area.
Last month our blog covered six reasons why changes in dementia care are needed, as taken from a recent newsletter article entitled “Dementia Care Isn’t What it Used to Be…And That’s a Good Thing Part I” written by Anne Ellett, M.S.N., N.P.
Anne is a respected dementia care expert and the founder of MemoryCareSupport.com, a website which provides information and examines care issues for individuals with dementia.
In Part II of her article, Anne discusses five key changes in dementia care. We’ve summarized them below:
Anne also makes the point in her article that, while progress is being made, we still have a long way to go. So many memory care communities are quick to proclaim their expertise in Alzheimer’s care. Yet only a handful appear to be investing time and effort in providing new and innovative solutions.
You can read Anne Ellett’s full article here. We applaud the work of visionaries like Anne Ellett and her efforts to remain vigilant on doing her part to bring about badly needed changes in dementia care.
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Do you find yourself holding your breath as your dad or mom shuffles across the floor, daring to exhale only after he or she is finally settled into a chair?
That shuffling gait, so common in older adults, can be caused by many things, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. What happens, due to a combination of neurological, muscular and balance impairments, is that it becomes more difficult to lift the legs and feet high enough to clear even the smallest obstacle, such as the edge of a carpet. The result? A shuffle. And, a perfect storm for a fall.
Below are four key areas that typically hinder gait, with some tips to keep muscles, vision and balance as strong as possible, for as long as possible.
Of course your loved one’s physical environment should be safeguarded as well. Clear pathways of obstacles and install handrails where needed. Make sure stairways, halls and bathrooms are well lit. And make sure his or her footwear fits properly.
Remember that your loved one wants to remain mobile for as long as possible. But the last thing either of you wants is a fall. Together, you can help reduce the risk of a fall, while keeping them as strong as possible, for as long as possible. That’s worth working for.
You know that great feeling you get after a workout or walk around the block? It’s easier to breathe, your muscles feel re-charged and you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Well, guess what? Individuals with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, get that same feeling. They may not be able to communicate it to you, but their bodies benefit from exercise just as yours does.
For people with memory loss, any movement is a good movement, as long as it’s within safety boundaries for the individual. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the keys to making exercise programs successful for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia are: keep them enjoyable, be patient, and stay as consistent as possible.
Here are five types of exercises, most of which we use at our Anthem Memory Care communities, which you can do too with your loved one:
Remember, easy does it.
As with any exercise regimen, take it easy! Put a cap on the length of time your loved one is actively exerting energy. And celebrate small victories. For those who are sedentary, even a walk around the house is an accomplishment. The key is to keep it enjoyable. Physicians recommend keeping sessions to 10 minutes or less. Only increase the time if your loved one is able and clearly enjoys it.
A lot has been written about the effect that different foods have on memory. Some foods are known to boost brain power and keep Alzheimer’s at bay. Others have actually been linked to Alzheimer’s. And, in some cases, to make things even more confusing, there are differing opinions. Take red meat, as an example. The MIND diet, developed by a nutritional epidemiologist, discourages it. Other medical professionals claim red meat is fine, as long as you eat it with greens and not with white bread.
The bottom line is that there are foods that are good for the brain and also good for overall nutrition. So we’ve scoured the many resources and put together a list of commonly promoted “memory foods”, with a “why” attached to help you make your own decision about what to feed your aging loved ones, and yourself. Here they are:
The “Good” Foods:
The “Bad” foods:
The bottom line? No eating regimen has yet proven 100% effective in reversing the effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, eating foods such as fresh berries and fish that are known to contain important nutrients for our brains and our bodies will always make good sense!
Contact us to learn more about Anthem Memory Care communities and our nutrition programs.
Who doesn’t remember playing games as a child growing up? Most of us recall the great feeling of winning a round of Gin Rummy or beating mom or dad in a game of checkers. When a loved one has a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, however, it can be difficult for them to concentrate, let alone maintain the level of recall needed to master a game.
But that doesn’t mean to stop playing games. Not by a long shot!
Once you take the goal of “winning” out of the equation, playing a game with a memory-impaired loved one can become a peaceful, interactive pastime, that will trigger memories as well as foster emotional well being. Here are some suggestions:
Video Games and Other Online Tools
The number and diversity of online brain-stimulating games and apps continues to grow. There are now innovative programs available which are calibrated to strengthen memory in our aging adult brains. Because this market is evolving and changing so quickly, we recommend that you check with your health professional to get the latest on which games might be best for your loved one’s unique challenges.
Finally, don’t forget to get up and exercise!
Whether you are nine or ninety, your brain cells can only do so much without being replenished. And nothing replenishes like aerobic exercise. Getting your loved one to walk and move around in low impact exercises helps stimulate the flow of oxygen to the brain.
Feel free to contact Anthem Memory Care and we’ll be happy to share more brain stimulating games and activities that you can enjoy with your loved one.
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