Residents of Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado kicked off summer with a fun bike ride thanks to a group of dedicated volunteer cyclists. They had a blast enjoying a scenic rickshaw ride through Hudson Gardens, courtesy of Cycling Without Age.

The program’s mission is to help older adults reconnect with the joy of cycling, promote mobility, and create meaningful moments in the great outdoors. And it works!

The event was covered by Argentum and you can read the full article here.

Summer is here, bringing with it countless opportunities to soak up the sunshine and enjoy favorite seasonal activities. From picnics in the park and leisurely strolls to cookouts and pool parties, every family has their own special summer traditions.

For families with a loved one who has dementia, however, these moments may bring mixed emotions. A parent, spouse or other family member who once eagerly participated in these gatherings may now find it difficult to engage as they once did. So, while the desire to participate may still be there, the pace, noise, and unpredictability of summer events can quickly become overwhelming, triggering confusion, fear, and anxiety.

Does that mean you need to leave them out of your summer activities? Absolutely not! While the level of support needed will vary depending on the stage of their dementia, with a little planning and sensitivity to their needs, your loved one can safely share in the joys of summer in ways that are tailored to meet their unique needs.

Here are some tips to help you pave the way towards a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer for your loved one:

1. Be aware of summer safety hazards. Check their mobility aids (cane, walker) to make sure they are in good working order. Areas with uneven ground can cause tripping or slipping. Walking on sand can be challenging as well as grassy, muddy areas and old sidewalks with cracks and potholes. Make sure they are wearing sturdy closed-toe shoes. Consider having them wear a watch or pendant with a GPS tracker in case they wander off. Make sure they have a card in their pocket that explains their condition with your name, phone number, and address.
2. Pay attention to their overall health. Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep. Being well-rested will help them remain calmer and be more adaptable. Make it easy for them to stay hydrated by having a water bottle handy. Make sure they wear loose comfortable clothing when out and about. Keep their faces free from direct sunlight with a hat or sun umbrella. Be sure to bring along their medications and be mindful if they begin to show signs of fatigue or discomfort.
3. Respect their routines and comfort levels. When is your loved one at their best? When are they most open to engaging in an activity? Keep in mind that parks and outdoor entertainment spaces can get busy in the afternoon and on weekends. Scope out the surroundings and find a cool, quiet area to move your loved one if the noise levels or activities become overwhelming. This is especially true if a large gathering is planned, such as an outdoor barbecue.
4. Prepare family members in advance. They may not have seen your loved one for a while. Help them understand how to communicate in a positive way with your loved one’s limitations in mind, while respecting their dignity.
5. Phone ahead when possible. Before you plan an outing to a museum, theater, or other public venue, do a little research to ensure that the environment will align with their needs and preferences. Contact the venue in advance if possible. Many are now dementia friendly and will work with you to schedule the best time for a visit. Restaurants alerted in advance can seat you near a bathroom or in a quieter area to avoid the din of ambient noise.

Here are some summer activities to consider that offer natural opportunities to connect, engage, and enjoy time together:

• Picnics, either in a park or your backyard
• Visits to local botanical gardens, nature walks
• Walks in the park, through the neighborhood
• Back yard barbecues with family and friends
• Bird watching in the back yard or park
• Fishing at your local lake or pond
• Outdoor games, such as bocce ball, cornhole, croquet, or horseshoes
• Planting and gardening
• Playing music in the backyard
• Sitting together and watching the sunset

Summer is a wonderful time of year to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Individuals with dementia who are able and willing to participate can gain the benefits of these connections along with the sense of empowerment that comes from being able to join in on summer activities they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives.

Looking for more ideas and tips? Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Our life enrichment team will be happy to share some of our favorite summer outing ideas with you.  

Scott Hudson and his 23-year-old daughter, Lindsay Hudson, have been dedicated volunteers with The Rosary Team for over two years, leading the rosary for residents at Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado. What started as a personal calling to serve has grown into a deeply meaningful ministry. And it’s one that enriches the lives of the residents they visit while strengthening their own faith and bond as father and daughter.

The Denver Catholic News has written a wonderful article about Scott and Lindsay and their work at Greenridge Place. You can read more about them and their spiritual journey here.

Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee found a heartfelt way to celebrate Father’s Day by creating new memories. Each of the dads were photographed holding meaningful personal items, each chosen to reflect the essence of fatherhood.

From a well-worn watch to a compass, a cherished Bible, or a favorite hat, each object told a story of strength, guidance, faith, and love.

The photo session was covered in the Knoxville Patch. You can read the full story here.

Families with loved ones who have been diagnosed with dementia naturally seek ways to keep them in their homes for as long as possible. They feel that the familiar surroundings are more comforting to their loved one. After all, a house full of memories helps preserve that special connection to the past. And, given the uncertainty of the journey ahead, knowing their loved one is safe and sound in their own home is understandable.

But are they truly safe and sound?

As dementia progresses, it can significantly affect both cognitive function and mobility. While keeping a loved one at home may feel comforting, it may come at the cost of their safety and well-being. Everyday items that once seemed harmless—like a bathroom rug, stone patio steps, the kitchen stove that cooked so many family meals, or a cherished collection of glass ornaments—can quickly become serious hazards. Recognizing these risks is an important first step in ensuring a familiar, yet safe, environment.

The AFA (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America) and the National Institute on Aging have put together insights and tips on making a home safer and more dementia friendly. We’ve re-grouped some of their key tips into four areas and summarized them as follows:

Physical safety

• Tripping hazards removed, such as throw rugs, electric cords, dog toys, small furniture in walkways.
• Padding added to tables and chairs to soften sharp edges.
• Water temperature set no higher than 120 degrees to avoid burns.
• Expiration date labels on food containers, checked regularly to avoid potential food poisoning.
• Applicances with sensors to automatically shut-off when they get too hot for too long.
• Items removed from top shelves to avoid the need to reach or use a stool, making it easy to retrieve and return them.
• Tub and sink sensors that will shut off water when it reaches a certain level and/or temperature.
• Handrails and ramps installed as well as door handles instead of round knobs for easier grip.
• Safety locks added to cabinets and drawers containing medications, cleaning supplies, and any other potentially toxic or hazardous items.

Cognition aids

• Clocks mounted in line of vision on the wall with extra large numbers that are easy to read.
• Medications containers programmed to automatically open and close when the medications have been taken.
• Sound-activated assistants (Alexa, Siri, etc.) that can take direction and issue reminders.
• Color coding to identify each room in the house and help identify items such as plates, cups, etc. Walls should be lighter than the floor to create contrast in hallways. A bright colored wreath can be added to the front door to differentiate their home from others.

Personal comfort

• Adaptive dining aids, like plate risers, which elevate dishes to bring them closer to face level making eating easier and help prevent food from falling.
• Weighted utensils to make it easier for individuals with Parkinson’s or other conditions causing tremors to hold and use.
• Absorbent pads inserted into washable chair cushions for incidents of incontinence.

Emotional support

• Memorabilia presented in creative ways to help spark memories and encourage conversation with visiting family and friends. Consider framed posters of old magazine covers or photos from their past. Large electronic photo frames can display an array of family photos.
• Limited number of mirrors throughout the home. While a medicine cabinet mirror may be necessary, large decorative mirrors in other rooms and hallways can create confusion and cause anxiety.
• Familiar touches, such as knick knacks, comfortable pillows, quilts, or other items that can be cleaned and retained.
• Fresh flowers and/or plants to create a pleasant sensory experience. However, make sure they are not toxic if ingested.
• Strategic use of colors, such as blue, green and even pink, to create an environment that is calming and peaceful.
• Apps that can be used on an iPad, computer, or TV to enable instant connection to family and friends.

Following these tips will help make your loved one’s home safer and more dementia friendly, easing their daily routines and giving your family greater peace of mind, especially when you can’t be there. It is also important to recognize that there may come a time when their cognitive and physical decline progresses beyond what can be managed at home, even with your best efforts. When that time comes, seeking professional memory care becomes not just necessary, but essential for their safety and well-being.

We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for additional tips and resources to help you improve the quality of life for your loved one and your family as you take this journey together.  We are always ready to help!

Bob Harlan, 85-year-old resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care, recently shared his lifelong passion for fishing with his great-granddaughters during a special fishing trip with fellow residents.

A devoted fisherman, Bob fondly recalls annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with family and friends. He passed down his love of the sport to his two daughters and son, and now looks forward to doing the same with the next generation.

“Fishing is one of those beautiful moments of bonding and legacy between parent and child,” said Molly Lutz, Life Engagement Director at Chelsea Place. “A father teaching his family to fish imparts wisdom, love, and a connection to nature—creating memories that last a lifetime.”

The fishing expedition was covered by Argentum. You can read the full story here.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, everything shifts. Roles that once felt natural—whether as a son, daughter, partner, or friend—begin to change. The person who once guided you, cared for you, and offered their wisdom may now look to you for support, safety, and direction.

Maybe it’s your mom, who always had the answers. Your dad, who fixed everything. Your partner, who shared every decision with you. These are the people who built their lives with strength, independence, and purpose. And now, that independence is quietly slipping away.

This transition—what many call a caregiver role reversal—isn’t something anyone prepares for. It’s emotional. It’s complex. And above all, it’s deeply human.

So how do you come to terms with this new reality? How do you support your loved one while honoring the relationship you’ve always shared?

Here are 7 gentle, practical tips to help make this chapter more manageable—for both of you:

1. Educate yourself. This is key to understanding the disease and how it impacts your loved one. You will learn that dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, is not a behavior disorder. It is a brain disease. It impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain in ways that inhibit their ability to receive and transmit information. The better armed you are with accurate information the easier it will be to understand your loved one’s limitations and treat them with the dignity they deserve.
2. Give yourself grace. Feeling grief, anger, and fear are a normal part of role reversal. Nobody expects you to suddenly snap into your new role easily. So don’t expect that of yourself. Many caregivers find it helpful to develop a process of positive “self-talk” to keep them grounded and more in control of their emerging role. Don’t hold yourself to an unrealistic set of expectations. Perfection is not your goal.
3. Focus on what remains, not just what’s lost. Even as certain abilities fade, your loved one still carries memories, emotions, and a sense of identity. Find ways to connect through music, photos, and shared rituals that spark joy and familiarity.
4. Treat your loved one as an adult. As roles reverse many caregivers find themselves falling into a “parent/child” relationship pattern, “talking down” to their loved one. An example might be scolding or praising them as an adult would a child. Dementia changes how people express themselves—but love and understanding can still be felt. Speak gently. Use eye contact, touch, and reassurance to foster trust.
5. Work together as a team. Understand that your loved one doesn’t want their new role any more than you want yours. Having to rely on you for help is as uncomfortable for them as it is for you. Reminding them that you are “on the same team”, especially when things get difficult, will help you find common ground. As team members, you are better able to support each other.
6. Look for opportunities to laugh together. Family caregivers often tell us that laughter really is the best medicine. And they often find it in the least expected situations, including when things go wrong. Look for ways to share a laugh with your loved one. Laughter is known to be a stress reliever. Yes, your sense of humor may seem far away at this point. You’ll have to work at regaining it. But, as any caregiver will tell you, in time, laughter will become one of your most valuable tools.
7. Reach out for help and support. When we say “you are not in this alone” we mean it. This is not a journey to be taken alone. Accept the help of family members and friends. Locate a therapist, ideally one who has experience in dementia. Join a support group and attend educational programs.  Consider a short term, respite stay at a local memory care community. That will give you both a break and time to re-charge.

Role reversal in caregiving is never easy—but you are not alone. Every day, you are showing up with courage and compassion. And in that, there is profound strength.

If you’re navigating this transition and need support, education, or just someone to talk to, we’re here to walk beside you—every step of the way.

We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and ask about our dementia support groups. They are led by professionals and enable family caregivers, like yourself, to come together and share experiences.

Vineyard Place Memory Care residents in Murrieta, California were recently treated to a special Disney tribute with songs performed by local Cole Canyon Coyote Choral. The group, led by Janet Maronde and Cynthia Calvillo-Murray, performed some of the most popular Disney songs, and the residents loved it. “The students sang beautifully and our residents were delighted to hear tunes that brought back happy memories,” Christopher Balmes, life engagement director at Vineyard Place told the Valley News reporter covering the story. “It was a joyful event that lifted spirits and brought our community together.”

You can read the full Valley News article here.

(photo is courtesy of Valley News)

Although it is an emotionally difficult decision, most families of loved ones with dementia understand that the time will come when they are no longer able to provide the level and quality of care at home that their loved one needs and deserves. Preparing them for a transition to a new environment, however, won’t be easy. And the move itself brings its own set of challenges, both logistically and emotionally, as it means removing a loved one from a home filled with memories. Yet it is a necessary step to be taken to provide the level of support required to keep their loved one living his or her best life as the disease progresses.

At our Anthem Memory Care communities we speak regularly with family members who are ready to begin making the transition, but don’t know where to start in terms of preparation and the actual move itself.

If that sounds like you, we can help. Here are ten tips to help you get oriented and prepared, both logistically and emotionally for the transition. We’ve collected them from the National Institute on Aging as well as from our own experience:

1. Know if it is appropriate to have “the talk”. Every individual with dementia is unique in how they react to changes in their lives. They are also impacted by the level of cognitive decline. Therefore, having a talk with your loved one about the need to transition to a care environment may or may not be prudent. Discussing it with their physician or a geriatric professional first will help you make the right decision.
2. Be patient with your loved one. Listen to their concerns if they express hesitation towards the transition. Gently reinforce the reasons the decision was made and the benefits the new environment will bring.
3. Be patient with yourself. Understand that this is a stressful time. Don’t create unrealistic expectations for yourself or your loved one.
4. Reach out for support. Consult a therapist, gerontologist or dementia specialist and share your feelings about the transition. They will help you devise a strategy to better be able to cope and to help your loved one adjust. Enlist the support of family members and trusted friends. They can be of great help to you in many ways as you begin the transition journey.
5. Assemble all legal documents. You may want to consult with an elder care attorney in advance to make sure all legal aspects of your loved one’s care are covered. This will include Power of Attorney as well as other legal documents.
6. Conduct thorough research. As you research memory care communities, make a list of the things that are most important to your loved one and to your family. Be sure to pay attention to reviews. Are they current? Does the memory care provider respond? Visit our Memory Care FAQ page which covers all facets of memory care.  
7. Review finances. Make sure you are aware of all the costs involved in day-to-day care, from move-in costs to amenities, to specialized care needs. The memory care provider should be totally transparent on this and be open to sharing costs, including the fine print, with you.
8. Meet with the staff in advance. It is important to become familiar with the staff before the move in. Talk with them about ways to make the transition go more smoothly.
9. Consider a short stay for your loved one in advance of move-in. Respite care is a service provided by many memory care communities. It enables your loved one to have a short stay (usually about a week) and get a feel for the environment. It provides families with a good opportunity to observe the care environment firsthand before the final move-in.
10. Be your loved one’s advocate. No one understands your loved one’s needs as well as you do. Voice their preferences and needs. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right as the transition occurs. Your memory care staff should be receptive and responsive to your needs.

Transitioning into memory care is a loving and necessary step in the process of optimizing the quality of life for your loved one. It places them in a secure environment thoughtfully designed to meet their unique needs — especially as they transition into the middle stages of dementia.

Our Anthem Memory Care communities understand the unique needs of each of our residents. That is why our nurses, therapists, life enrichment teams, and caregivers are focused every day on helping residents live a purposeful life through engaging activities and meaningful connections with others.

If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to reach out to any of our communities. We’re here to offer guidance, information, and support as you and your family navigate the journey ahead.

Traci Colvin, Executive Director at Highline Place Memory Care, has been honored with the Community Leadership Award at Argentum’s Senior Living Executive Conference.

This prestigious Hero Award recognizes leaders who go above and beyond in creating engaged, supportive environments for both residents and staff. Traci Colvin exemplifies this every day. Her unwavering commitment to resident well-being—especially her transformative care for individuals with complex behavioral needs—paired with her hands-on mentorship and compassionate leadership, has fostered a culture of trust, inclusion, and excellence within her community.

We congratulate Traci for receiving this well-deserved award and thank her for leading with heart, and for reminding us what purposeful, person-centered leadership truly looks like.

You can read the full Argentum article here.

Anthem Memory Care CEO, Isaac Scott, joined a panel of senior care veterans to share insights and perspectives on innovation, collaboration, and a new generation of residents at this year’s Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference.

Isaac Scott noted the importance of value-based care, and its power to support and affect nursing teams. He also noted that residents are coming into communities with higher and more complex needs and the need for senior living operators to take control of their outcomes.

The emergence of AI in senior living was also discussed. Isaac Scott shared examples of how it can be used to handle tasks such as recording sales calls and funneling them into customer relationship management programs to help generate a more thoughtful follow-up by the sales teams. He noted how it can be used to free up staff to be more effective in how they provide care for residents.

You can read the full Argentum article here.

Morningside Senior Prom: They Truly Had the Time of Their Lives!

"The goal tonight is to have the time of our lives," said Frank Trimboli, executive director of Morningside Place Memory Care, in an interview with KSHB News who was covering their annual Senior Prom. And they did! Residents enjoyed an evening full of glamour, delicious food, and lots of dancing to timeless oldies. Theirs was one of many senior proms occuring across the greater Kansas City area at memory care communities, all aiming to create joyful moments for their residents.

You can see the full KSHB News coverage here.

One of the biggest challenges for individuals with dementia is navigating a world that is becoming increasingly confusing and intimidating. While most of us welcome variety and spontaneity in our daily lives, individuals with dementia gravitate towards familiar patterns and routines. There is a reason for this – it helps them feel safer and more grounded in reality.

Many family caregivers, unaware of this, may be exposing them to unwanted stimuli and disruption. While well intended, they don’t realize that their efforts to improve their loved one’s environment may in fact do the opposite, leading to increased stress and anxiety. This is especially true for individuals in the middle stages of dementia.

Why is a routine essential for individuals with memory loss?

Familiarity, structure, and consistency can significantly reduce confusion, anxiety, and frustration, while promoting a greater sense of security and comfort. That is why our Anthem Memory Care communities bolster engagement and connection through structure and routine.

Here are some of the ways we add the value of routines into our communities:

• Scheduled mealtimes. Offering more than just nourishment— we create anchors in the day where residents can anticipate connection, comfort, and community.
• Carefully planned activity programming. Providing a consistent structure from morning through evening, we offer residents the opportunity to engage in purposeful, enriching experiences that match their abilities and interests.
• Physical environment consistency. As residents progress through their journey, we do not move them from their suites. Familiar surroundings offer reassurance and reduce disorientation, reinforcing a feeling of home and stability.
• Sleep and wake routine. We honor consistent wake times and bedtimes, which support natural circadian rhythms and improve sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Routine and structure should be empowering, never rigid.

That is why our approach to daily life at our memory care communities is to create a gentle structure that empowers each resident to feel safe, supported, and seen. Through this approach, we create communities where residents can thrive with dignity, purpose, and peace of mind.

Our professional nurses, life enrichment team, and caregivers understand that a steady rhythm to the day helps residents feel more grounded and in control, even as their journey with dementia evolves. That’s why we intentionally design each day around predictable, supportive routines.

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, we encourage you to reach out to any of our communities. We will be glad to answer your questions, provide resources, and share some tips on implementing daily routines that will your loved one feel safe, protected, and empowered.

(Our header image shows an exercise class adjusted for residents with mobility challenges conducted at Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota.)

There was at least one, Fairy Stone. And, yes, that really is her name! Fairy, along with her friends at Concord Place Memory Care, celebrated her 97th birthday with a magical photo shoot, transforming them into dazzling pixies and sprites with the help of Smoky Mountain Hospice of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Fairy Stone is the daughter of a coal miner, one of eight children. The fairy shoot reminded her of her high school days when she was named Prom Queen and featured in the local newspaper.

Events like these are not only fun, but they celebrate residents' lives, enabling them to share their unique stories and what makes each one special. The fairy shoot was covered by the Knoxville Daily Sun. You can read the full story and learn more about the lovely Fairy Stone here.

No one paid much attention to the final score in the inaugural "Swing For a Cure" charity softball game between Chisholm Place Memory Care and Brookdale Senior Living because everyone was a winner on this night. Both teams played hard and with spirit. The crowd in the packed stands was vocal and clearly entertained, and the talents of residents of both communities were recognized as well. One Chisholm Place resident played The Star-Spangled Banner on the keyboard, another (a former minor leaguer) tossed out a ceremonial first pitch, and Brookdale residents were heard singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

Those fighting to end Alzheimer's also were winners. While the donations are still being calculated, we expect to have raised right around $7,000 for the Alzheimer's Association® by the time all the money is calculated.

The event was covered by local KAKE Channel 10. You can watch the full video here.