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 […]
What are your new year’s resolutions? How are they going so far? For most of us, setting new year’s resolutions involves taking a personal inventory of our strengths and weaknesses over the last year and making a vow to be healthier, happier, and better people over the next year. But we often fail to meet […]
Looking back a year ago, who could have known how challenging 2020 would turn out to be? For many, it brought the loss of a loved one or friend due to the pandemic. Others struggled with job loss, depression and other challenges. One thing that binds us all together, however, is the promise of a […]
This year has brought special challenges for residents of senior living communities and their families who miss having them home for the holidays. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we have focused diligently on not only keeping our residents and staff safe, but also on exploring opportunities to bring joy inside our doors in unique and […]
For those of you who have a parent or other loved one with dementia, the holidays can be stressful as you try to make your festivities as enjoyable and as anxiety free as possible. And, of course, there is always the question of what gifts to give, who should visit and so forth. This year, […]
Thanksgiving, 2020 will certainly be one we’ll never forget. For many families, it will be much smaller than usual. For some, it will be a time to reflect on loved ones, living and passed. And, yet, regardless of where Thanksgiving finds each of us this year, it brings an opportunity to pause and give thanks […]
For many of us, Thanksgiving will be very different this year. For some, it may just be a smaller group; four or five instead of fifteen. But for those with loved ones in senior care it will be a bit more challenging to connect and engage in ways you’ve grown used to in the past. […]
In celebration of Veteran’s Day this year, Chelsea Place Memory Care honored WWII veteran, Linden Matthews, a 97-year old former Navy machinist. Outside Chelsea Place, banners were placed along the walkways, with photographs of Linden Matthews as well as eight other veterans. It was a very special day, not only for the vets themselves, but […]
Every November 11th, we honor those men and women who have served their country in battlefields all over the world. We are still fortunate to have with us, veterans of World War II. Many of them are residents, right here in our Anthem Memory Care communities. Their stories are riveting and, while they may struggle […]
Nothing works better to take our minds off our own troubles than helping someone else. Studies have shown that an act of kindness towards another person releases chemicals called “endorphins” produced by the body that help alleviate pain and boost a feeling of happiness. Research from the National Institutes of Health points to activities like […]