To address the ongoing challenges of food insecurity in Milwaukee, residents and staff of Franklin Place Memory Care hosted a special month-long food drive, collecting 64 pounds of nonperishable food items. The food donations were then taken to the Hunger Task Force of West Milwaukee, Wisonsin where they will be distributed to local families in need.
The food drive was covered by the local Franklin Patch. You can read the full story here.
The holidays bring plenty of opportunities for lunches and dinners with friends and family. Restaurants are decorated and everyone is in a festive mood with high spirits. It is a special time to reconnect and catch up while enjoying a meal together.
It’s only natural that families would want to have a loved one with dementia be part of these get togethers. They may recollect dinners out at their favorite restaurants in years past and want to continue family traditions. But there can be real concerns as to how their loved one will react to the noise and traffic of servers moving from table to table and raised voices from other diners.
If you are facing these concerns, it’s understandable. Know that you are not alone. However, by doing some homework and with a little planning, your loved one may be able to join in the fun of a family lunch or dinner.
Here are eight tips to optimize a dining out experience for everyone:
But before you start making reservations …
Often, in an eagerness to be inclusive, families may neglect to ask their loved one in advance how they feel about having a meal in a restaurant. Before you go to the trouble of planning your dining experience make sure they truly want to participate.
For instance, an older parent may be just as happy staying at home, preferring the peace and quiet of a smaller gathering at their home or in their senior living community. Don’t force them out of their routine if they clearly aren’t up to it. Instead, set a date when you can arrange for the family to visit them and dine together.
For those who are up for it, however, follow the above guidelines. It will give your loved one a precious opportunity to get out and socialize, something that is so important for those challenged by dementia. It may even lead to more meals out in the future, giving them (and your family) something to look forward to.
We love it when family members come to dine with residents at our Anthem Memory Care communities. We are proud of our culinary staff and the delicious meals they prepare. We welcome you to reach out to us or drop in to any of our communities for a visit and to enjoy a meal on us.
In the meantime, happy holidays. And bon appétit!
When the holidays roll around, the gift lists come out. For some it is easy, a giftcard to a favorite restaurant or shopping site, a book, tools, jewelry, or whatever they’ve hinted at earlier this fall.
For a loved one with dementia, however, gift giving can be more challenging. “Will she be able to operate this?” or “Can he get online to the website?” are questions you may be asking yourself as you hunt for the perfect gift for them.
The best gifts are those which are compatible to their stage of dementia.
Before you start your list, make sure you are aware of the stage of dementia the individual is experiencing. So, an individual in the earlier stages of dementia may regularly go on the internet. A gift card, therefore, may be an ideal way for them to pick out what they want.
For those in the middle stages or later of the disease, however, gift giving can become a bit more challenging. On one hand, you don’t want to be condescending with childish gifts. Yet you don’t want to give them a gift with complicated instructions or that requires operating an appliance or tool.
Here are some gift ideas to consider which cover all stages of dementia:
Try to avoid purely functional items like Velcro-fastened sneakers and mobility aids. Puzzles can be confusing and frustrating for individuals in the middle stages of dementia. Candy and other sweets may not be the best choice if the individual has issues with sugar or other health conditions.
Lastly, but most importantly, don’t forget the gift of quality time together.
Spending time with your loved one is more important than a new sweater or piece of jewelry. Consider giving them a card with an invitation to join you for lunch or the promise of a hand-delivered take-out meal from their favorite restaurant. And, while you’re at it, make your own New Year’s resolution to visit more often, possibly with one of their friends, family member, or well-behaved family pet.
If your loved one is living in assisted living or memory care, ask the frontline staff what he or she might like. Caring for them on a daily basis will give them insights as to appropriate gift ideas.
Finally, reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We love the holidays! And we’re making lists too. We’d be happy to share some of our ideas with you.
Residents of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas have put together boxes of food for distribution by the Arkansas Food Bank. The residents refer to the boxes as "blessing boxes" and were eager to make sure that they worked together to make a difference for those less fortunate on Thanksgiving.
It is so important for individuals living with dementia to have goals and purpose in their lives. This is a great way to give back in a meaningful way.
The project was covered by local CBS/11 in Little Rock. You can watch the video here.
We speak often with family caregivers and are always moved by their loving dedication to providing quality care for their loved ones with dementia. These amazing individuals are selfless in their support, spending hours day in and day out to ensure that their loved one has what they need at any given moment.
For many families, the goal is to keep mom or dad in their own home as long as possible.
This is certainly an understandable goal. Being in a familiar environment is comforting and makes their loved one feel safe and secure. Often, the family will pool their resources to provide a certified home care worker to visit and make sure that their loved one is eating properly, their house is clean, and that they are taking their medications as prescribed.
However, in their efforts to maintain this familiar environment for their loved one struggling with cognitive issues, families may overlook providing something that is absolutely critical to an individual with dementia. That is, the benefits of daily socialization, achieved by building relationships with people and engaging with them every day.
For a loved one with dementia, the risks associated with isolation is very real.
The National Institutes of Health cites studies which have identified “an association between loneliness, social isolation, and reduced cognitive function, in older adults, across multiple cognitive domains, as well as a heightened risk of dementia.”
This is an important finding which families need to take into account as they strive to provide the best possible care for their loved one with dementia.
Here are three serious issues arising from isolation taken from resources, including our own:
Perspectives on Psychological Science cites a study on social isolation which found that it increases the risk of dementia by 50% and can shorten a person's life span by up to 15 years. It can also lead to other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. The same study found that the health risk associated with social isolation can be the equivalent of smoking fifteen cigarettes per day.
Social isolation can contribute to poorer cognitive function and decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks. According to another study cited by the National Institutes of Health, isolation can lead to “changes to underlying neural biomechanisms including cortisol secretion and brain volume alterations (e.g., white/grey matter, hippocampus) may contribute to these relationships.”
The National Institute on Aging has cited studies showing that social isolation leads to loneliness which can detach an individual in ways that impact wellbeing and can lead to depression.
Families must weigh the benefits of staying at home against the health risks of isolation.
Understanding the risks associated with isolation and the benefits of socialization is a key touchpoint for families seeking ways to provide safe and supportive social interactions for a loved one with dementia.
If you are a family caregiver of a loved one with dementia, seek opportunities to engage them with relatives and friends on a daily basis if possible. Of course, you must be careful not to overstimulate them and to adhere to a schedule that takes advantage of the best time of day for these interactions.
As the dementia progresses, family efforts may no longer be sufficient.
At some point, however, regardless of how diligently you work to optimize your loved one’s environment, there may come a time when their needs are best served by a transition into a memory care community. This will give them round the clock safety and security in a person-centered environment where social interaction is achieved every day.
Optimizing opportunities for socialization is an important cornerstone of our Anthem Memory Care community life engagement team. We welcome you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Many of us have been family caregivers ourselves and will be happy to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We can provide your family with tools and resources to assist you in caring for your loved one, well before you are ready to make long-term decisions. We are here to help!
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."
– Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
Those words are so true. Almost half of all family caregivers are providing care for a loved one with dementia, according to data released by The Alzheimer’s Association. And 83% of care for older individuals comes from family members. That means that most of us, at one time or another, will either be caring for a loved one ourselves or know someone who is.
The challenges faced by family caregivers of loved ones with dementia can be overwhelming.
Out of love and a sense of duty, however, these selfless individuals give of themselves freely and fully, often to the extent that it impacts their own health. They won’t always show it and will often put on a brave face to shield their mental and physical fatigue. But it’s there and it is very real.
The National Council on Aging lists some of the tasks done every day by family caregivers. We’ve summarized them below, with a few more of our own:
If you can imagine doing the above every day, week in and week out, often missing any sort of break, you can begin to understand the stress and immense wear and tear on the body and mental well-being. And it can result in serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and physical illness. They are also experiencing a special kind of grief as they struggle to come to terms with the illness of their loved one.
If you know a family caregiver, here are some ways you can help:
Many family caregivers hesitate to ask for help, even though they may need it.
Often, they worry about being a burden, or they may feel that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness. This reluctance can lead them to respond with, "I’m fine" or "I’ll let you know if I need help," even if the load is heavy. That's why the way you offer help can make all the difference.
When offering support, try to make it easier for caregivers to accept. Instead of saying, "Let me know when you need help," consider a more specific offer. For instance, ask, "Is Monday or Tuesday a better day for me to drop off dinner for you?" or "I don’t have any plans this weekend. Would Saturday or Sunday work better for me to visit with your dad so you can enjoy some ‘you’ time?" By proposing a specific action and timeframe, you allow caregivers to feel more comfortable accepting help without the burden of asking.
Small gestures like these not only lighten their load but also remind caregivers that they’re supported and not alone. Sometimes, the best support you can give is by simply showing up and offering help in a way that’s easy to say "yes" to.
It’s time to reach out to the family caregiver in your life.
Offering help, even in the smallest way, can help take some of the pressure off of them. We encourage you to reach out to the friend or neighbor who is caring for a loved one with dementia. Family caregivers need you! Make it a part of your life to play a more helpful role in their life. Make sure they are aware of services including Caregiver Action Network, The National Alliance for Caregiving, and Share The Care. Or encourage them to take advantage of respite care through a local memory care community. They can also visit our Anthem Memory Care resource page for links to additional resources.
Finally, we welcome family caregivers to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with their questions and concerns. Many of us have been family caregivers ourselves and understand the challenging journey you are on. We are always here to help!
What is it about the act of patting a dog on the head, stroking the ears of a purring cat, or looking into the gentle eyes of a horse that brings a sense of tranquility and joy?
Scientists have been scratching their heads over that question for decades. And while there appears to be no magic inherent in the animals themselves, the impact on humans is very real. Our Anthem Memory Care communities witness it regularly as residents engage with a variety of therapy animals who pass through our doors.
Animal therapy helps to improve many health conditions. For example, the Psychiatric Times reports that animal therapy is being used successfully to treat a range of anxiety disorders, including PTSD and ADHD. Therapy animals are also used to buoy the spirits of hospital patients and disabled individuals.
Is there any science behind the effectiveness of animal therapy? The short answer is yes. Studies have found that positive interactions with animals can decrease levels of a hormone called cortisol, also referred to as the “stress hormone”. This helps to reduce anxiety.
And there are studies on how interactions with animals impacts behavior. Studies reported in the National Institutes of Health medical journals, and sources including The Alzheimer’s Association have noted several ways in which animal therapy improves the health and wellbeing of individuals with dementia, including the following:
Animals provide a natural, but powerful therapy. And while the benefits can be hard to quantify, they are very real. Our residents are proof of that. Our communities have captured many wonderful moments of residents engaging with animals.
Here are a few of our favorites:
This resident’s face lights up as she strokes the muzzle of this gentle labrador at Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado.
Harvester Place Memory Care resident in Burr Ridge, Illinois gets a kick out of this lovely sloth, courtesy of the Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo.
This beautiful working horse waits for a nose rub from a resident of Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas. Notice the anticipation in her face!
We love this photo of a resident of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois engaging with Bella, the resident therapy dog.
This resident of Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado proves that cats like nurturing too!
Are you caring for a loved one who is also an animal lover? If they don’t have a pet themselves, make an effort to connect them with the family or neighbor dog or cat. They will come to look forward to those interactions and you will begin to experience the benefits those visits bring to your loved one and to you as well. And be prepared that they may spark a memory or two in the process.
We also encourage you to visit our Anthem Memory Care community websites as well as our Facebook pages. You’ll see lots of great photos and videos of residents engaging with our therapy animals and the smiles that go with them.
(We love our header image! It’s hard not to feel some of the enjoy this resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care is experiencing engaging with a pony at a local stable.)
Drumming circles provide a unique form of exercise and therapy. They can be especially beneficial to individuals with dementia. Residents of Clear Creek Memory Care in Fayetteville, Arkansas recently engaged in their own drumming circle. They were given drum sticks and stability balls to catch the beat with other residents. The result was a powerful therapeutic experience providing a nonverbal way to connect, both with others and with themselves, enhancing their overall quality of life.
The session was covered by local Channel 5 News. You can watch the video here.
Just like everyone else, individuals living with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, have a personal life story to share. They, too, have lived full active lives during which they discovered their talents and developed their skills. Yet, families often worry that the person they love is becoming lost inside the disease. Many don’t realize that the skills and talents their loved one developed years ago can often be reawakened with patience and support.
One of our guiding principles at Anthem Memory Care is our commitment to continue to build purpose and meaning into the daily lives of residents. We recognize the unique lives and personalities of each resident. And, as we learn more about each resident, we encourage them to continue to share their life stories, hobbies, skills and talents with fellow residents, staff and families.
And we are happy to report that there is to plenty to share! Here are a few of our favorites:
Gail Taylor, artist and resident of Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murrieta, California stands beside one of her amazing metal artwork depicting leaves on copper plates. Her work has been featured in books and has been displayed in hotels and hospitals all over the country.
Many residents have enjoyed golf all their lives. Here, a few golfing residents of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton Colorado enjoy an outing on the driving range.
Lucille Noble, resident of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas has fished all her life. Why stop now? Staff arranged for a visit to a local pond where Lucille happily cast her line out, bringing back memories, which she happily shared.
These residents of Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois regularly take over the kitchen to show off their culinary skills honed through years of baking and cooking delicious meals for their families. Residents love it!
Another Harvester Place Memory Care resident, David Graham, reunites with his band, the Country Gentlemen, in Burr Ridge, Illinois to play some tunes for fellow residents and families.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we believe that it is so important for individuals with dementia to continue to enjoy as many of their hobbies and skills from their earlier lives as possible, and for as long as possible. We’ve seen firsthand the delight expressed by family members who discover that a loved one is sharing a story about their earlier years or a special talent with fellow residents.
If you are caring for someone with dementia, take some time to reminisce with them about some of their favorite hobbies or skills. Encourage them, to re-engage with them, if possible. Remaining connected to the things, people, and places that make their lives unique will give your loved one and your entire family many more positive moments and joy together.
(Our header image shows one of the many talented residents of Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois shows off her latest piece of art. Beautiful!)
Residents of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota are doing something very important to them and their community: giving back! They are using their talents and skills to create an array of bracelets which are going on sale as part of a fundraiser to help the victims of the recent Florida hurricanes. Their project was covered by local channel KIMT. You can read the full article here.
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it signals the beginning of a journey full of many challenges. Family caregivers must now assume a new and unfamiliar role and it isn’t easy to make the transition. Even more challenging is the fact that their loved one will eventually get to a point when they can no longer live alone, even with the support of family members and friends.
The question often on the minds of families is, “When should we consider a transition into memory care?” It’s a good question and a challenging one for families to answer without more information and insights from trusted sources.
As a memory care provider, we often speak with families who are in the early stages of reaching out for resources and more information about memory care and, more specifically, to better understand the warning signs they should look for that may indicate that the time for that transition has come.
Here are some signs that your loved one needs the professional support and safety of a memory care community:
It is also important to know that caring for a loved one with dementia can severely impact a family caregiver’s emotional wellbeing. Here are some warning signs to look for regarding your own mental health:
When is it time to plan for transitioning a loved one to memory care? The time is now.
There are many benefits to planning in advance. First, it gives families greater control over the process of researching and touring communities. It allows more time to get financials in order. And, It gives families time to consider the benefits of each community so that an informed decision can be made as to which is the best fit for their loved one. Finally, by making the decision in advance, it reduces stress levels on all family members.
A transition into memory care is an important stage of caring for a loved one with dementia. It places them in an environment tailored to meet their needs. It provides a safe haven, especially as an individual enters the middle stages of dementia. Memory care teams seek to help residents live purposeful lives with projects and activities that engage and connect them to each other and the world around them.
We invite you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with your questions and concerns. We will be happy to provide information and resources to guide you and your family in the journey ahead.
Residents and staff of Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee are doing their part to help victims of the two recent hurricanes in Flordia. They are hosting a "sock drive", collecting dozens of new warm socks which will be taken to the East Tennessee chapter of the Red Cross. The drive goes through October 31st. You can learn more by contacting Concord Place.
Seniors helping seniors! Residents of Highline Place Memory Care paid a special visit to Pepper's Senior Dog Sanctuary. The residents gifted the elderly dogs beds, blankets, and toys and had a great time with their fellow seniors. CBS/Colorado covered the event. You can watch the full broadcast here.
As the holidays approach, many family caregivers have reached out to us to enroll their loved ones with dementia in our respite care program.
You may be wondering what respite care is. If so, you’re not alone. Many of those who are caring for a loved one with dementia in their home may not be aware that some memory care communities offer what is referred to as “respite care”, a short stay in a community for their loved one to give the caregiver some much needed time to take care of personal business and re-charge. It can be especially helpful over the holidays, as families are extra busy shopping and planning for family get togethers.
Our Anthem Memory Care communities offer respite care and families have told us how glad they were to have been able to use this service and the valuable time it gave them and their families. Many of the individuals with dementia liked what they experienced and have gone on to become full-time residents.
There are several benefits to registering your loved one with dementia into a respite care program.
Not all respite care programs are the same, however, so it is important to do some research on local communities and learn more about their programs, amenities, and philosophy. You can also learn is included for your loved one. Make it a point to visit a few care communities before you decide upon one. Ask questions. Dig into the details. Learn more about their care and programs. You need the assurance that your loved one will be in expert and loving hands.
Some tips for planning respite care for your loved one:
If you are like most family caregivers, you give your time freely and completely every day to support the needs of your loved one as well as other members of your family. That selflessness, while admirable, can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Respite care can reduce stress by providing the break you need to pay some attention to yourself. You deserve it.
Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and ask about their respite care program. They’ll be happy to explain all the details and answer any questions you may have. We’re always here to help!
Many of our Anthem Memory Care residents and staff love fall because it brings cooler weather and the promise of holidays ahead. Fall ushers in a broad spectrum of opportunities for activities that are unique to the season.
Decorating our rooms and hallways with colorful leaf displays, visits to pumpkin patches, and planning Oktoberfest events are just some of the things we all look forward to. And, as our residents engage in these activities, we have found that they often spark memories relating to their own past experiences with their children and families.
In that spirit, we’d like to pass along some fall activity ideas that you can enjoy with all your family members, including loved ones living with dementia.
Our residents love all of these activities, but perhaps you can add to this list with special fall-themed traditions in your own family. Taking time to enjoy these activities benefits everyone in the family, young and old.
Don’t hesitate to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more ideas or to get information and caregiver resources. We welcome you to drop by and visit a community near you and learn more about our many activities and events tailored to bring purpose and meaning to the lives of our residents.
(Our header image shows a talented resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas showing off her beautiful fall wreath!)