Here is a number that should be of concern to all of us: 45-85% of seniors in assisted living and skilled nursing have chronic pain (Stein & Ferrell, 2016). And that number represents only those who are able to recognize and report their pain! For individuals living with dementia, pain is just as real as […]
Soon we will turn the clocks ahead by one hour. That means it will be darker in the morning but lighter in the early evening. Other than a little groaning about losing the hour in the morning, most of us welcome daylight savings, not only for that extra hour of sunlight, but for the anticipation […]
As parents age, the persistent question on the minds of adult children is, “How long can mom/dad live at home?” As we age, familiar places and things grow in importance to us. Therefore, being able to live in the family home for as long as possible becomes a driving desire. In many ways, it’s easier […]
Movement Underway to Make Tinley Park a Dementia Friendly Community A movement has begun to turn the Village of Tinley Park into a Dementia Friendly community and the public is encouraged to become involved. The designation will prove Tinley Park is a place where people living with the disease and their caregivers can thrive. The […]
Most of us, at one point or another in our lives, have contracted a urinary tract infection or “UTI” as they are more commonly called. They are uncomfortable for sure, causing pressure and pain. So, we drink plenty of water or cranberry juice and, if necessary, take medications to wipe out the infection. Then we […]
Most of us will readily acknowlege the power of music in our lives. While our individual tastes may differ, we have our favorite songs and delight to the memories they bring back to us. For individuals with dementia, music takes on added importance. This is often because music has the power to connect to those […]
Porter Place Memory Care is proud to announce that they have been selected as one of 2020 Best of Senior Living Award winners. SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America and Canada, provided this same award to Porter Place in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Best of […]
Enough can’t be said for the positive impact that a sense of purpose makes on individuals challenged with dementia. The same can be said for interactions with animals. So imagine the impact of putting the two together: doing purposeful, community service work for animals. The residents of Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado were […]
Students from a local high school joined with Chelsea Place Memory Care residents to build special “dog stick” libraries with wooden crates to distribute to dog parks throughout Aurora, Colorado. Their crate building session was written up in the Denver Post. You can read more on this here
The holidays are over. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s back to the reality of a long winter ahead, and the concerns that revolve around the responsibilities you shoulder every day. The amount of stress you carry with those responsibilities cannot be overstated. Stress is in all our lives but, […]
We have often written about the value of providing a sense of purpose to individuals struggling with dementia. When that sense of purpose extends out to the greater community, it has an even more powerful impact on all who are involved. Over the holidays, the residents of Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Pak, Illinois […]
When the new year is “2020” it brings up all sorts of interesting connotations; perfect vision being among them. With that theme in mind, what is your vision as a caregiver for 2020? Just an extension of 2019? Another year of more giving and less taking for yourself? While that may seem heroic, it can […]
Well, we’re well into the holiday season! This is the time of year when families and friends gather to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. It is the time when people come together to help others who are less fortunate. Finally, it is the season when everyone wishes each other the very best in the upcoming […]
For those who celebrate Christmas, the holidays can be full of fun family activities. Many of them are traditions; things you’ve always done and enjoy doing year after year. It may be as simple as decorating your tree or putting up lights and other decorations. Perhaps it’s taking a stroll in the snow while enjoying […]
Danyanique Hughes, Life Engagement Director for Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois, was doing some online research recently and came across some information about Northern Illinois Food Bank and their programs to feed those in need in the Northern Illinois area. The Northern Illinois Food Bank is a non-profit group whose goal is […]