For 70-year-old Susan Breytspraak, the rumble of a motorcycle sparks fond memories. She recently shared that passion with friends during a “Wheels & Memories” event at Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The celebration, held in honor of Women’s Motorcycle Month, welcomed the local Batavia Moose Riders motorcyclists.
The motorcycle club contributed $500 to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser, and Ms. Breytspraak was honored with a certificate recognizing her passion, spirit, and love for the open road.
The Daily Herald covered the event and you can read more about it here.
For local senior Jim Hansen, 81, a fishing rod and reel stir up a lifetime of memories. He recently joined some local school children and fellow Liberty Place Memory Care residents for a day of angling at Voice of America Park lake in West Chester, Ohio.
“We seek out engaging activities that help our residents find purpose,” Amy Snow, Liberty Place life engagement director, told the Warren County Post who covered the event. “It’s important to spark joyful memories for those living with dementia, while encouraging them to express themselves through favorite hobbies and new experiences. Our residents loved sharing fishing tips with the boys and making new friends.”
You can read more about this special fishing expedition at the Warren County Post.
Each month, residents at Savoy Place Memory Care in Savoy, Illinois welcome one of their favorite visitors, Kyron, the miniature horse. For many who grew up on local farms and spent their lives around horses, his visits are a heartwarming way to reconnect with cherished memories and the gentle animals they’ve always loved. Animal visits, such as these, not only bring smiles to the faces of residents, but encourage interaction and engagement with those around them.
The most recent Kyron visit was covered by local news station, WAND, and you can watch the full video here.
When a loved one develops dementia, it deeply affects not only the individual, but the entire family. As cognitive changes unfold, families often find themselves taking on new and unfamiliar roles, which can bring about complex emotional and relational challenges.
It is not uncommon for family members to experience a range of emotions—anticipatory grief, guilt, frustration, or confusion—as they adjust to the evolving needs of their loved one. These feelings are valid and natural but are often kept buried inside, giving the impression to outsiders that everything is fine and the family is coping well when in reality they are not. And when these challenges are left unaddressed, they can strain relationships and create emotional distance.
Primary caregivers, in particular, may carry a heavy emotional and physical burden. The demands of caregiving can lead to exhaustion and a sense of isolation, making it even harder to maintain balance within the family. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is an important step toward supporting not only the individual living with dementia, but also the well-being of those who love and care for them.
Here are some key touchpoints to help families gain a greater understanding of what they are feeling and how it impacts their family dynamics and wellbeing.
Changes in family dynamics can be deeply challenging. However, with intentional communication, empathy, and mutual support, families can begin to adapt, often discovering new, meaningful ways to connect and care for one another.
The following strategies can help families navigate these transitions, promote healing, and foster resilience.
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we recognize the complex challenges families face as they navigate the emotional and practical realities of dementia. Adjusting to this new—and often uncertain—journey requires support, understanding, and connection. That’s why we don’t just care for residents—we partner with families.
From the very beginning, we are right there, walking alongside families, offering guidance, education, and reassurance every step of the way. Our communities provide more than high-quality care—they offer peace of mind. Family involvement is not only welcomed but deeply valued and encouraged.
We believe healing is possible—both individually and as a family. Whether it’s a shared stroll through the garden or a quiet conversation over coffee, we create quiet spaces where families can reconnect, reflect, and discover new ways to support one another.
How is dementia impacting your family? Are you experiencing a distancing among family members, or emotional issues that are affecting your relationships? In addition to the suggestions above, we welcome you to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Many of us have been family caregivers for loved ones with dementia and we know how challenging it can be. We will provide answers to your questions and additional resources to help you and your family on your journey.
With steady hands and sympathetic hearts, Concord Place Memory Care joined forces with local homeschool students to create friendship bracelets for American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts in response to the devastating floods in Texas.
The colorful bracelets are tokens of gratitude for the brave Red Cross volunteers. Each bracelet will be sent with handwritten notes, photos of the residents in action, and a card explaining the heartfelt purpose behind the project.
“Even with a dementia diagnosis, our residents are still very aware of what’s happening in the world—and they want to help however they can,” said Lorie Ann Wilson, Life Engagement Director at Concord Place.
The event was covered by Knox TN Today. You can read the full story here.
We all know that physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle. It boosts fitness, enhances well-being, and—especially for individuals living with dementia—offers valuable social interaction and a sense of independence.
Many find that even a little light exercise lifts their mood and motivates them to keep doing the things they enjoy. While exercise hasn’t been shown to slow the progression of dementia, some studies suggest it may improve certain aspects of memory, helping people recall past events more clearly. And when it comes to staying active, even a little bit is better than none.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, consider adding more movement into their daily routine. The Alzheimer’s Society has published some exercise tips starting with slow and easy up to vigorous exercise. We’ve summarized them as follows:
Low impact:
Individuals in the mid to later stages of dementia will have mobility issues that will make it more challenging to engage in standard exercises. It is still important, however, for them to move to keep their muscles as strong as possible and optimize circulation.
Moderate impact:
These activities will make your loved one breathe faster and feel warmer. Experts note that an activity is considered “moderate” when one is able to talk, but not sing the words to a song without getting a bit out of breath.
High impact:
Most appropriate for individuals in earlier stages of dementia, especially who have been physically active all their lives. Experts note that vigorous activity will make one breathe hard and fast, finding it hard to say more than a few words before they are out of breath. Your loved one should be monitored carefully, watching for signs of fatigue.
Important note: An “easy does it” approach will make exercise routines healthier and more fun.
When introducing exercise into your loved one’s daily routine, start slowly and build up gradually. Make sure they warm up before moderate or vigorous activities. Don’t push too hard—if they seem tired or uncomfortable, it’s time to pause and rest. A gentle, “easy does it” approach is best. Also, be sure to consult their physician before beginning any new exercise program.
If possible, join them! Exercising together can be a meaningful way to connect, engage, and enjoy quality time side by side.
Our Anthem Memory Care communities are full of active residents who enjoy walks in the park, strolls around the grounds, and regular exercise sessions that are fun and get their hearts pumping. We welcome you to visit any of our communities and watch a session for yourself. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. We’re here to help!
Residents at Churchill Place Memory Care in Glen Ellyn, Illinois recently put their creativity to work by making friendship bracelets for those affected by the recent flash floods in Texas. Bead by bead, they crafted vibrant bracelets bearing uplifting words like “hope,” “courage,” and “faith” — small tokens of compassion meant to bring comfort and solidarity to those in need.
“Our residents really got creative with the messages and charms they added to each bracelet,” said Jennifer Boonstra, Senior Life Engagement Director at Anthem Memory Care. “Some included Bible verses, the names of their communities, and heartfelt words like ‘love’ and ‘faith.’ It was a meaningful way for them to show they care — even from miles away.”
The event was covered in the Chicago Patch. You can read the full story here.
While nutrition is always a top priority in optimizing the health of residents, at our Anthem Memory Care communities we place equal importance on the entire culinary experience—from the dining environment to the presentation, taste, and texture of each meal.
For individuals living with dementia, these details matter more than ever. As dementia progresses, eating can become more challenging and the foods that once brought joy may lose their appeal. That’s why we take special care to make meals not only delicious but easier to enjoy—nourishing both body and spirit.
At the heart of the exemplary culinary experience at our communities is our dining services team. Their importance to the daily living experience of our residents cannot be overstated. They are behind every comforting, nourishing, and beautifully prepared meal.
Anthem’s Chief Operating Officer, Lewis McCoy recently expressed his appreciation:
“Dining is so much more than nutrition in our communities. It’s a moment of connection, joy, and dignity. For many residents, mealtime is something they look forward to all day. It brings familiarity, warmth, and a sense of home.
Your creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to person-centered service help shape one of the most meaningful parts of their daily experience. Whether it’s a perfectly prepared favorite dish, a holiday meal with family, or a quiet breakfast with a kind smile—you make every bite count.”
Below are just a few images of delicious meals prepared by our amazing dining services teams at our communities:
An example of a delicious meal served in the elegant environment that residents enjoy every day.
Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado held their own Strawberry Festival. This is just one of many special treats.
Creativity at its finest! Our talented chefs serve delicious pureed meals for residents who have challenges maneuvering and chewing food.
As Lewis McCoy noted so eloquently, our dining services directors and their teams devote each day to creating a culinary experience that reaches the highest bar of excellence, delighting even the most discerning palate, even attracting residents’ families to come into the communities to share a lovely dinner with their loved ones.
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and finding it challenging to prepare delicious meals that are also nutritious? We are here to help. Feel free to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for tips on how to optimize the dining experience for your loved one. Better yet, come and join us for a meal! We’d love to demonstrate firsthand how delicious these meals can be – for everyone.
(Our header image shows Chef Luis, Dining Services Director at Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murietta, California with a team member creating delicious berry parfaits for residents.)
Middle schoolers from the Rochester Public Schools’ Summer of Service Program joined seniors at Cascade Creek Memory Care for a meaningful group project aimed at showing support for those impacted by the Texas floods.
“I love that I get to help people who sometimes can’t help themselves,” said Luella, a participant in the program.
Around 10 students took part in making friendship bracelets, then stayed afterward to work on puzzles and chat with residents. Each bracelet will be accompanied by a handwritten note and photos of the group in action. The project was covered by local ABC Channel 6 and you can read the full story here.
It is well known that interacting with animals can have a positive impact on an individual's emotional health and wellbeing. Most of us are familiar with therapy dogs, but have you ever hear of miniature horse therapy?
Recently, a pair of miniature horses paid a special visit to the residents of Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin. Needless to say, they were a big hit! These animal visits foster a natural connection and can even help ease some of the symptoms of dementia. Judging by the smiles all around, that’s exactly what happened.
The event was covered by the local CBS News in Milwaukee. You can watch the video here.
Emerald Place Memory Care residents in Glenview, Illinois did their part in supporting those affected by the devastating flash floods in Texas. They carefully crafted bright, meaningful friendship bracelets—each one strung with words like “hope,” “faith,” and “courage”—as heartfelt symbols of comfort and solidarity.
“Our residents really got creative with the messages and charms they added to each bracelet,” said Jennifer Boonstra, Senior Life Engagement Director at Anthem Memory Care. “Some included Bible verses, the names of their communities, and heartfelt words like ‘love’ and ‘faith.’ It was a meaningful way for them to show they care — even from miles away.”
The event was covered in the Chicago Patch. You can read the full story here.
Summer brings a special kind of joy with more time for travel, spontaneous outings, outdoor activities, and visits with family and friends. Warmer days and more flexible schedules result in more opportunities to create the kind of special moments that often turn into cherished memories lasting for years.
If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, however, you may find that these well intentioned visits can sometimes be overwhelming for them. What should be a meaningful time of connection may trigger stress or confusion. After exchanging a few light exchanges, you may find your loved one beginning to withdraw, eventually disconnecting altogether and missing out on the joy of the visit itself.
The challenge isn’t the people or the visit itself—it’s usually a matter of preparation. We all have days when our energy dips or our mood shifts. Now imagine those changes magnified and layered with memory loss. That’s often the lived experience for someone on the dementia journey.
So, what once felt like a joyful, spontaneous gathering can now feel disorienting or even frightening for a loved one who relies on routine, familiarity, and structure to feel safe and grounded.
The good news is that, with some adjustments, these visits can be more inclusive and meaningful for your loved one with dementia and for those around them as well.
Here are some tips to help optimize the value of those visits:
For individuals living with dementia, every moment that fosters a connection, sparks a memory, and empowers them with a sense of meaning brings immeasurable benefits. Living a life of purpose does not have to end with dementia. If you approach these summer visits with sensitivity and a desire to include them, your loved one can continue to connect and engage with family and friends longer. And these special moments will be remembered and cherished in years to come.
Looking for more ways to establish more meaningful visits with a loved one with dementia? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We will be happy to share some tips and help you find ways to include your loved one in a loving and meaningful way.
When the sewing group at Greenridge Place Memory Care began seeking volunteers, Lynn Hunt—an 18-year breast cancer survivor—was the first to step forward. Together with fellow residents, Lynn helped handcraft mastectomy pillows designed to bring comfort and dignity to breast cancer patients throughout the Denver metro area. These meaningful gifts will soon be delivered to Kaiser Permanente Franklin Medical Center.
“This was a deeply personal and heartfelt project for our seniors,” said Caitlin Dempster, Life Engagement Director. “They not only put their lifelong skills to use but also rediscovered a powerful sense of purpose through giving back.”
The event was covered by KUSA Channel 9. You can watch the full video here.
Residents of Chisholm Place Memory Care recently partnered with campers from Holy Cross Lutheran Church to support the many volunteers who are working to aid flood victims in Texas. The intergenerational group came together to handcraft friendship bracelets for American Red Cross Disaster Relief teams in Victoria, Texas. The effort included 10 children, ages 8 to 10, who joined residents to thank volunteers for their service and dedication.
This initiative is part of a broader effort across all 20 Anthem Memory Care communities. Each are sending handcrafted bracelets, along with photos, handwritten notes, and a card explaining the heartfelt gesture, to volunteers supporting disaster relief in Texas.
The project was covered by local KAKE TV and you can read the full story here.
Renewing wedding vows is always a special event. And the tears began to flow as Norman Corfield watched his bride of 64 years, Catherine, walk down the aisle at Emerald Place Memory Care to the sounds of a violinist playing the traditional wedding march. The Corfields were joined by Ann and Barrett Feeney, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
For individuals living with dementia, powerful moments like this can spark a cherished memory often reflected in an instant change of expression in the face, usually in the form of a smile or a tear. This was one of those special moments, not only for the couples, but for everyone who shared it with them.
The event was covered in the Chicago Tribune. You can read the article here.