The Happy Hen program at Porter Place Memory Care is delighting residents and staff alike. Staff and residents worked together to build and decorate the special Happy Hen coop. They’re becoming famous! Even the Chicago Tribune covered this unique and fun program.
“These are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.” – Celtic Blessing of the Hands As the beautiful passage above indicates, one of the things that strikes an emotional chord in all of us is looking […]
These are challenging times for residents of senior living communities as they remain separated from loved ones. It is also a challenging time for students, especially younger school children, who are working hard to get used to online learning and being separated from their friends. During normal times, at our Anthem Memory Care communities, we […]
Most of us are aware of the many benefits of animal therapy, especially for those individuals challenged by dementia. Animals have always had a special way of connecting with and lifting the spirits of our memory care residents. But who would have thought that a pair of chickens would be able to have a similar impact? […]
For a while there, we thought we had lost our baseball season. And few would be more disappointed than the residents of our memory care communities. Baseball, America’s oldest professional sport, represents so much more than a game. For millions of older Americans, baseball was a big part of growing up. Therefore, it holds many memories […]
Did you ever have a pen pal? If you didn’t, chances are your parents or grandparents did at one time. For those born in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s having a pen pal was a popular way to get to know someone who may have lived across the country, or even oversease. It was fun […]
As we continue to navigate carefully through this pandemic, Anthem Memory Care community leadership has been busy seeking safe and enjoyable ways to bring our residents together with their loved ones. Socialization is so important for individuals with dementia and our communities have been doing a great job using technologies, like video chat, to connect […]
One of the hardest parts of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is feeling a sense of loss of that special individual and his or her place within the family. It can be painful to remember how mom used to love her books or how dad used to love his days out on the […]
If you’ve ever owned a dog, cat or other animal you know how soothing it can be to scratch its ears, pet it on the head, or run your fingers through its soft fur. A friendly dog at your side or a warm cat on your lap can do wonders to lift the spirits. For […]
Have you neglected physical activity during this pandemic? We’ve certainly been reading a lot of articles and social media posts lately about getting out of shape during the COVID pandemic, as a result of sheltering in place. And, yet, when you think about it, why should social distancing and staying out of crowds keep us […]
Father’s Day, this year, was certainly different! Quarantines have separated so many adult children from their fathers in concern for their safety. That means many fathers and children were not able to share hugs, stories and a favorite meal or box of candy this year. Making that person-to-person connection is especially important for individuals challenged […]
Didn’t it seem like summer would never arrive? The pandemic has made us more eager than ever to get out into the fresh air. And yet, for the longest time, the weather was not cooperating! So, what a relief to finally start seeing some warm summer weather come our way. As our communities begin to […]
How do you feel when you hear an old song? If you’re like most of us it takes you back instantly to another time and place. Music has a way of reaching in and sparking memories within us in a way that is unique and powerful. And this is especially true for those individuals who […]
“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.” — Mother Theresa Never have those words rung so true as they do for caregivers working in today’s world. As many of you know, our mission at our Anthem Memory Care communities has always been to “protect, engage and […]
An article on art as therapy, in Harvard Health, references studies showing how engaging in art activities for those challenged with dementia can help them reconnect to the world around them. Art can also help with chronic mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. And, no, it’s not about producing a perfect work of […]