We all know that old postcards, newspaper clippings and photographs are almost guaranteed to spark memories, often about things we thought we had forgotten. The ability of mementos to unlock old memories can be especially powerful for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease. At our Anthem Memory Care communities, we enjoy learning as much as […]
Have you ever been more thrilled to see spring finally arrive? We certainly are! Of course, in some of our communities, we’re still waiting (impatiently) for the last bits of snow to melt and more sunlight to flood our courtyards. But spring is officially here and we’re eager to make the most of it. Warmer […]
As we continue to heal and rebound from the challenges of the pandemic, we are all on the lookout for activities and events that will bring a smile and, hopefully, even some laughter into our lives. Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora Colorado seized an opportunity to do just that. It came in the form […]
March is National Nutrition Awareness month, which puts a much-needed focus on the foods we eat and what those foods do to help or hinder our physical, cognitive and emotional health. For individuals living with dementia, nutrition holds special importance, in that we now are more aware of the power of nutrients to optimize cognitive […]
For family caregivers of loved ones with dementia who live remotely, these have been especially challenging times. Not only has the pandemic made travel more difficult, it has managed to add to the already high anxiety and stress levels felt by family members who cannot be with their loved ones during these times. If you […]
Recently, members of Boy Scout Troop 64 in Glenview, Illinois took their snowman-making talents to Emerald Place Memory Care. The result was a virtual village of snow people strategically located in front of the windows of delighted residents. “Everyone needs a little bit of happiness; a little bit of light in their lives,” one of […]
When Mia walks through the doors of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita Kansas, everyone smiles. Mia is a German Shepherd mix and an official therapy dog, loved by just about everyone she comes into contact with. And there is a good reason for this. Animals bring with them a natural form of therapy that […]
Residents and staff of Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado got together with family and friends to hold a Valentine’s Day car parade. Staff lined up outside the front entrance and residents watched from the safety and warmth of the lobby as a steady stream of brightly decorated cars made their way past the […]
Residents and staff of Grace Point Place are always looking for ways to give back to the greater community. Recently the residents made dozens of beautiful valentines to give to the local Oak Lawn fire department. They were surprised and thrilled to receive them. The event was covered by the local CBS station in Chicago. […]
The long, cold months of deep winter can be especially challenging for those living with dementia. If you have a loved one with dementia, especially if they live alone, these challenges are even greater. Why is this? There are several reasons. Here are a few: Dealing effectively with these issues begins by recognizing them. Understanding […]
Most of us remember being back in elementary school and the eager anticipation of getting a valentine from someone in our class. In we’d walk, with a bag full of our own valentines to hand out. And, inevitably, there would be that one valentine we’d receive without the giver’s name, leaving us to ponder who […]
When we think of February, most of us think of Valentine’s Day. So, hearts are on many of our minds this month. But did you know that February is American Heart Month? Heart health is important for so many reasons. However, you may not be aware that studies have shown a relationship between heart health […]
Many of you may recall the startling Brigham Young University study, a few years ago, which found that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to elderly adults as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. While that finding may be hard to accept, there are other studies that support a connection between isolation and serious […]
One of the best things about 2021, so far, has been the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines. We are currently in the process of vaccinating our residents and staff members at all of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Staff and residents are receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations! It is so important, now more than ever, to […]
If you have a loved one living alone or in assisted living or memory care, you have probably found yourself focused this last year almost exclusively on checking in on them to make sure they are being kept as healthy and safe as possible. It’s been a roller coaster of a year and the pandemic […]