While many don’t realize it, the experience of grief does not belong solely to those whose loved ones have died. Grief can occur in other life experiences. One of them is caring for a loved one as they pass through the stages of dementia. Grief expert, professor, and author Kenneth J. Doka remarks, “Grief has […]
We are proud of all our Anthem Memory Care Communities for living each day our mission to “Protect, Engage and Love” our residents. The latest example of this is Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Like all of our Anthem communities, the residents, staff and families are active within the greater community, […]
The nagging concern often starts when a parent or other loved one starts forgetting the simple things such as where the coffee is kept or how to navigate a familiar route to the grocery store. Or perhaps they begin asking the same questions over and over again. At some point it becomes harder to ignore. […]
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and starts showing signs like unusual behavior and memory loss, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time for families. Why can't Dad remember how to get to his doctor's office? Why is Mom acting so strangely in public? These changes can be hard to understand and […]
Most people engage in routine behavior. It may be a morning routine such as getting up, letting the dogs out, and sitting down for your morning cup of coffee. For others it may be an after-dinner walk or a weekly call to a friend or family member. We gravitate to routines because they have […]
How is your summer going? It’s one of our favorite times of the year at our Anthem Memory Care communities. Not only does the weather permit more healthy outdoor activities, it is also a time for relaxing with residents, families, and friends. Our residents love to reminisce about their own family summer traditions and vacations. […]
For most families summer means enjoying longer days, vacations, outings, and meeting up with family and friends. It is the time of year when more time is spent outdoors taking in the sunshine and fresh air while engaging in a variety of activities. Everyone welcomes the warmer, more laid-back days of summer, and that includes […]
For many families embarking on their summer vacations, including their loved one with dementia may not be feasible. The vacation may involve a hectic schedule or a location that is not conducive to caring properly for them. In these cases, a wiser move may be to arrange for your loved one to remain at home. […]
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or “PTSD” as most of us know it, is a condition occurring when an individual experiences a severe reaction after experiencing extreme trauma. PTSD can last months or even years, often triggered by a situation that brings back the memory. While PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced a high […]
Morningside Place Memory Care residents enjoyed a spontaneous visit with the "Lemon Dudes", Colin, age 17, and Lucas, age 13, to sip some delicious lemonade and engage in conversation. “It was a terrific way to enjoy the weather and mingle with our neighbors,” Sara Coss, life engagement director for Morningside Place, says. “The residents enjoyed supporting […]
Hazel Linne celebrated her 102nd birthday in style at Harvester Place Memory Care, surrounded by family and friends. A former beautician and interior designer, Hazel attributes her longevity to working on the family farm and rising cows and chickens. Her advice to the younger generation: “Be sure to stay active, keep in shape and get plenty of […]
June 20th is not only the first day of summer, but also the longest day of sunlight this year. That is why the Alzheimer’s Association has chosen it for The Longest Day, their annual drive to get people involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We can all appreciate the symbolism […]
Whether it is a wedding, anniversary, graduation or other milestone, having family together to celebrate is an important part of marking the event and creating special memories. It is a wonderful opportunity for older family members to engage with their younger relatives, tell stories, take photos, and share special memories between them. That’s why is […]
June is Men’s Health Month. Did you know that studies show that men are more likely to ignore health issues than women? It’s time for families to pay more attention to the overall health of their male members, especially those who are older. And overall health includes the risk of developing dementia. While it is […]
Whether we’re visiting a park, planting in our gardens, taking a walk or just sitting on the sunny patio, outdoor activities are back in season at our Anthem communities and residents are loving it. Outdoor activities connect individuals living with dementia to the natural world around them, providing an abundance of physical and emotional benefits. […]