Experiencing a sense of meaning and purpose in life is important to all of us. One way to achieve it is by finding ways to give back to those in need. Helping others, as they say, is the best way to help oneself. And nowhere is this truer than for those individuals living with dementia.
The link between experiencing a sense of purpose and improved cognition is supported by several studies. One, cited in the National Institute of Health, found that individuals participating in purposeful acts were able to maintain higher cognitive levels than those who didn’t participate. This included individuals living with dementia.
Anthem Memory Care residents and staff are active within their communities, reaching out to contribute to a variety of worthy causes. Our Pathways of Purpose programs enable Anthem Memory Care residents to engage in activities that connect and engage them in acts that stimulate their awareness of the value of giving back.
That is one of the reasons we encourage families with loved ones with dementia to include them as much as possible in their own participation in fundraisers and other charitable acts.
Below are just a few of our community activities that our residents and staff have enjoyed over this last year.
Chisholm Place Memory Care residents spontaneously hand out rubber duckies to local Target shoppers in Wichita, Kansas. Each ducky had a handwritten positive message. Shoppers were delighted.
This Franklin Place Memory Care resident brings essential food items collected during their food drive to the Hunger Task force in Milwaukee for distribution.
This resident of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota proudly displays some of their hand-made bracelets which were put on sale to raise funds to help Florida hurricane victims.
Residents of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas made special “blessing boxes” for their local Food Bank to distribute to families for Thanksgiving.
This resident of Highline Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado pets a dog at the local Senior Dog Sanctuary. The residents brought blankets and toys to gift their fellow seniors!
Family caregivers of individuals with dementia can bring this sense of purpose and connection for their loved one through many programs designed especially for their participation. If you are a family caregiver, reach out to your community and look for opportunities to give back to those in need. Include your loved one with dementia on as many of the activities as possible. It can do wonders for their sense of self-worth and yours as well.
Feel free to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for advice and resources. Since we are regularly engaged in community activities we would be happy to connect you to local organizations that are ready and eager to include you in their work.
(Our top image shows a resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas displaying one of their hand-crafted coasters, sold along with keychains and bracelets as part of a special fundraiser in honor of a local Wichita firefighter, Ty Voth, who was killed in the line of duty.).