If you’ve been tuning into the news lately you’ve probably heard about actor Bruce Willis’ recent diagnosis of aphasia. Compared to other conditions, aphasia is one that, while many people may have heard of it, few have a clear understanding of what it is, who gets it and how it impacts quality of life. What […]
If you wear a smartwatch to keep track of your health, then you know that it doesn’t take much to get your heartbeat up and begin burning calories. Even the lightest movements, such as stretching your arms, lifting your shoulders and stretching out your legs increases breathing which, in turn, increases oxygen levels. April is […]
Residents of Porter Place got together to create unique tie-dye t-shirts and accessories to sell, the proceeds going to Direct Relief to help citizens of Ukraine. The project was initiated by Gerri Szczecin, a resident of Ukrainian descent. The day's event was covered by national and local news publications. You can read the full article in the Chicago Tribune.
At Anthem Memory Care communities, it is our privilege to serve several residents of Ukrainian descent, some with family members still living in Ukraine and all of whom feel especially impacted as Ukraine continues to fight to protect its independence. One resident of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois was especially affected by […]
Did you know that, today, there are over 10 million women in the U.S. who live with or are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? When it comes to Alzheimer’s, the statistics are not in favor of women. For one thing, most of those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. The […]
Wellness is a term we often hear these days, especially as it relates to aging and retaining good health. Few realize, however, just how important a regular program of wellness is, and the central role wellness plays in the lives of individuals with dementia. At our Anthem Memory Care communities, wellness is much more than […]
We speak regularly with concerned adult children of parents experiencing memory loss who feel that it is no longer safe or advantageous for them to continue living at home. One of the biggest questions they have is whether mom or dad should transition to an assisted living community or memory care. It’s a great question. […]
Have you played Wordle yet? Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably heard of this latest game frenzy as players proudly post their scores all over social media. It’s a fun little puzzle that challenges the player to put different letters together to eventually arrive at the “correct” five letter word. And the desire in all […]
Back in the early days of the pandemic, when everyone was quarantining behind closed doors, something amazing was in the works outside the windows of our Anthem Memory Care communities – window decorating! While we certainly had enjoyed window decoration before the pandemic, the desire to bolster the spirits of our residents poured out into […]
Having a sense of purpose is important to all of us, perhaps even more so to individuals living with dementia. Numerous studies over the years have identified a clear link between engaging in purposeful activities and exhibiting sharper cognitive function. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, participating in activities that are meaningful enhances […]
February is National Heart Month, which puts a much-needed emphasis on increasing awareness of heart disease along with things we can all do to improve the health of our hearts. What you may not know, however, is that there is a clear link between heart health and brain health! Furthermore, having a healthy heart helps […]
A recent article in AARP Magazine cited a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report that has logged over 670,000 public complaints of scams, many of them related to COVID-19 topics ranging from stimulus checks to miracle cures. These scams are dangerous for all of us, but particularly concerning when they prey upon aging, cognitively challenged individuals, […]
A series of black and white images of residents’ hands accompany descriptions of their life work, talents and passions at Chelsea Place Memory Care, in Aurora, Colorado. It is a creative and beautiful way to honor residents and celebrate the remarkable individuals living inside their doors. It also inspires a level of conversation that is […]
It is interesting to note that, while cognition is impaired with Alzheimer’s disease, some memories and abilities can and do remain. Remembering the words to a favorite song or recognizing an old photograph are a few of them. Skills acquired in youth, like playing the piano, knitting, or gardening can also remain intact. One of […]
If you made a list of new year’s resolutions, chances are you’re already running into a few challenges keeping them, right? You’re not alone. Lists are easy to make but not quite as easy to follow. And yet, for family caregivers of loved ones with dementia, a good list of “dos” that are actually “doable” is […]