We often hear from family members of loved ones newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seeking their next steps. They will ask us, “What do we do now?” It's a good question. And if this is your situation, it is important to first understand that your feelings are normal. Secondly, know that you are not alone. You have […]
Willowbrook Place Memory Care (an Anthem community) in Littleton, Colorado has been busy this month honoring the many “stars” who live and work inside their vibrant community. It is a great opportunity to recognize the significant contributions made by dedicated staff members as well as the unique personalities of the amazing residents who make Willowbrook […]
Ruth Lang, a golfer and resident of Grace Point Place Memory Care shared some pointers with a group of visiting students recently. Chatting with the students on the Grace Point putting green, her love of golf and enthusiasm was contagious! These special moments were captured by local newspaper, The Reporter. You can read the full […]
No one likes the thought of an aging parent being lonely. Even more concerning is when that parent lives alone and may go for days without any significant human interaction. Social isolation and loneliness among older adults is more common than you might think. A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) report found that […]
At our Anthem Memory Care communities, giving back is part of our daily lives. Our residents and staff are always seeking ways to channel their energies and creativity to help those in need and to give thanks to those who provide needed services within the greater community. Recently, in an effort to help stem food […]
Gathering together to do their part in helping food insecurity in local shelters, residents, staff and families of Grace Point Place Memory Care put together special “blessing boxes” filled with non-perishable goods to give to First United Methodist Church in Oak Lawn for their mini-pantry program. The good deed was covered by the Chicago Tribune. […]
For many families who have put off vacationing over the last couple years, this may be the first year of going back to the lake, or up to the mountains or renting a house on the coast. Lots of excitement and anticipation abound. And understandably so! Those families caring for a relative with dementia often […]
One of the most challenging transitions many of us must make in our lives is that from child to caregiver of a parent. After all, our parents raised us! They were the ones to tell us to put on a jacket when we went outside, to stay hydrated and to eat our vegetables. And they […]
Ask any psychologist, physician or healthcare worker and they will tell you how often they have witnessed the transformational qualities of music. Music is powerful medicine, and we have all experienced its ability to energize, soothe and even spark memories from long ago. That’s why, at our Anthem Memory Care communities, music is an essential […]
As you may be aware, June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. It’s important for many reasons – increasing awareness, providing resources, and educating the public about diseases that affect the brain and cognition. Just as important, however, is what we can learn directly from those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. No one is […]
As the weather continues to warm up, most of us are eagerly seeking opportunities to spend more time outdoors. There is nothing like the smell of flowers, plants, and fresh air to invigorate our senses and renew our spirits. For individuals living with dementia, an hour spent outdoors can actually do wonders to improve their […]
Every spring our Anthem Memory Care communities get out the gardening gloves and get to work. Planting is an activity that our residents, staff and families look forward to. It is a treat for the senses and an opportunity to engage with each other while connecting with nature. That doesn’t mean, however, that once planted […]
Recently, residents of Porter Place Memory Care visited local Tinley Park Fire Station #47 to celebrate National Firefighter’s Day. But the event was special for another reason. Former Chicago Fire Department lieutenant, Allen Williams, shared his own special memories with the firefighter team and his fellow residents. You can read the full story in the […]
Recently, residents and staff from Porter Place Memory Care paid a visit to their local Tinley Park Fire Station #47. The outing was officially in celebration of National Firefighter’s Day. But, for Allen Williams, it was special for an even more important reason. In addition to being a Porter Place resident, Allen Williams holds the […]
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Now, more than ever, it’s important to focus on mental well-being and how we can all do our part to provide better access to care for those in need. At our Anthem Memory Care communities, optimizing mental health has always held a central role within our guiding principles. We […]