One of the most challenging situations for families caring for a loved one with dementia is managing episodes of agitation and aggressive behavior. Caregivers are somehow expected to not only comfort and calm their loved one, but also to steady their own emotions. It is a task that can feel overwhelming, especially when stress and […]
As an individual ages, managing medications can become tedious and confusing. Some pills must be taken multiple times a day, others once daily or even weekly. Staying organized and avoiding missed or mixed doses requires real focus. Now imagine the challenge of organizing multiple medications for someone living with dementia. It is far greater. Because, […]
Families with loved ones living with dementia often find themselves struggling to find a meaningful path forward that doesn’t isolate their loved one from the family dynamics. They work to include their loved one in family visits and events, knowing that it is beneficial to their loved one’s cognitive and emotional health. What they often […]
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to come together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It’s about shining a light on the challenges, but also on the importance of early detection, brain health, and the support families need along the way. Spearheaded by Alzheimer’s Disease International, this worldwide campaign […]
While summer continues well into September, for most of us, the end of August marks the end of the more relaxed pace of summer we’ve been enjoying. For most of us, it’s either back to school or back from vacation and back to work. For our Anthem Memory Care communities, however, the end of August […]
Residents of Morningside Place Memory Care lit up the Overland Park Farmer’s Market with a spontaneous “flash mob” dance to the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. Shoppers were treated to a joyful surprise as residents and staff drew smiles, applause, and even a few dancers from the crowd who couldn’t resist joining in. Jessica Johnson, life […]
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, families feel as though their world has been turned upside down. A mix of overwhelming emotions fills their days and nights as they attempt to grasp the enormity of the journey ahead. Everyday routines and joyful moments are frequently set aside, overpowered by the weight of the […]
Concord Place Memory Care residents got their Elvis vibe going, and for a couple of hours it felt like Elvis really was “in the building” once again! Dancing to Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and other Elvis hits, residents and staff celebrated Elvis Week with their own Elvis Palooza event, marking the 48th anniversary of […]
By the time your loved one enters the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, its impact is well established, having long since altered not only their own life, but that of your family and friends. It is a continuing journey characterized by a great deal of emotional ups and downs taking an enormous emotional and physical […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]