We often have family members ask us about personality changes when mom or dad is diagnosed with dementia. They will say, “I expected the memory loss, but now mom is acting strange in other ways.” With the heavy focus on memory and dementia, other behavioral aspects of dementia are often pushed aside. Yet they are […]
It isn’t unusual to encounter memory care residents who can’t remember what they had for breakfast, yet will quickly recall older memories. Sports is one thing that tends to pull forth deeper memories for those challenged by dementia. And, for residents of Chelsea Place Memory Care, that’s especially true if it’s Denver Broncos football! Every […]
No matter how long you may have suspected that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, nothing can prepare you for the actual diagnosis of the disease. It is overwhelming. So it is important to know that you have resources available to help guide you as you take this journey with your loved one. You can […]
Recently three Anthem Memory Care communities in the Denver, Colorado area got together for a unique and fun event: a dog show! The idea was initially proposed by Ms. Helen Lee James, a resident of Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado. Ms. James had a special reason for her suggestion. She had, in her […]
Next time you’re with relatives, take along an old photograph to share. Watch the reactions of your various family members. Chances are you’ll see some animated facial expressions along with laughter or maybe a few sarcastic comments. That’s because photos have an amazing power to connect us to memories and to each other. This is […]
Want to bring a smile to the faces of old and young alike? Bring everyone together, get some flour, pumpkin and peanut butter together and start baking cookies. Not for human consumption, but for your favorite canine companions! While baking dog treats may sound silly to some, there is nothing silly about the benefits of […]
When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, it puts an immense burden on both of your shoulders as you try to comprehend what’s happening and grapple with the limitations facing both of you. This is a challenging time and will become more so over time. However, there are things you can do to keep the […]
For those who live alone and struggle with dementia, each day can bring an increased sense of isolation and disconnectedness from the world around them. Their cognitive decline along with physical impairments, keep them from articulating their needs, let alone reaching out for help. The result can be a reduced quality of life. An AARP […]
Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado, has the good fortune to have among their staff, several caregivers of Ethiopian decent. These marvelous women take great pride in caring for residents and can usually be seen smiling and working quietly to assist residents with their daily activities. Recently, however, these women took center stage in […]
One of the questions family caregivers often ask after they have made a memory care decision for a parent is “But can she afford it?” That can be a challenging question for some, due to a general lack of visibility into a parent’s financial situation. That’s why it’s important to gain a better understanding of […]
Summer is officially here! That means warmer weather, longer days and, for most of us, enjoyable family gatherings, picnics, barbecues and vacations. If you have a parent with dementia, you may have a tendency to exclude them from many of your festivities. It’s a natural reaction, as you are concerned about their well being and want […]
This is an unsettling question to have to answer. As we watch our parents age, it’s tempting to dismiss his or her increasing forgetfulness as part of “getting old”. Yet, inside, the questioning continues to gnaw away. “Is it just age-related, or are these early signs of a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s?” To help […]
Those with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often tell us about their frustration when a mom or dad seems to suddenly become agitated for no apparent reason. And, while there is always a reason, it is often not readily apparent to those around them. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we […]
Isn’t it invigorating to take a walk outdoors and feel the sun on your shoulders and a gentle breeze on your face? When you come back indoors, don’t you feel more refreshed and energized? That’s because there is a heightened alertness that comes with activating all your senses through nature. This feeling of wellbeing can […]
Captain Rob Firmes of the Murrieta, California Police Department, now has a much better understanding of the challenges experienced by his grandmother who struggles with dementia. On May 16th, Captain Firmes along with two other officers, took Vineyard Place Memory Care up on their offer to help them experience, first hand, a taste of what […]