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 […]
By nature, those who care for loved ones tend to be known as “givers”. They are constantly putting their own needs last on the list while they devote time, energy and love to serving a beloved family member or friend. Caregivers of individuals with dementia have an added layer of challenges as they strive to […]
What are you thankful for? Thanksgiving is the time of year when we stop to think about, not what we don’t have, but what we do have in life. For some it may just be having a roof over your head. For others, it’s having the love of a husband or wife, or a loyal […]
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that, at times, nothing feels more isolating. Nobody truly understands the very special and challenging world in which you are living. Nobody understands those sleepless nights and how hard it is to get out of bed each morning. Nobody, that is, except […]
When the late fall to early winter chill sets in, most of us bundle up and move on. We understand that we will eventually reach our destinations and find ways to warm up. We may complain about the weather, but we accept it and modify our clothing and commutes to account for it. When an […]
Every year, since 1983, we’ve been recognizing November as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The idea behind it is to spread awareness of Alzheimer’s and to spotlight research aimed at finding a cure. Since 1983, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease has nearly tripled. So acknowledging and continuing research efforts is more important than ever. […]
No one likes to be physically restrained. Whether it involves pinning down the arms or preventing an individual from moving forward, physical restraint often has the opposite effect of its intention. Unwarranted restraint can elicit a violent reaction to free oneself, creating an escalation of resistance that can have negative results. This is especially true […]
Why do colors sometimes seem to make us feel happier or more depressed? Are colors really that powerful in their ability to alter our moods? In many ways, the answer is “yes”, in that different colors and hues are interpreted differently in our brains, some having a profound, yet subliminal impact in how we feel […]
No, the holidays aren’t here yet. But they will be before you know it. So, if you are caring for a loved one with dementia, the time to plan is now! The holidays bring with them special challenges for caregivers of loved ones who have dementia. If you’ve already been through a holiday season or […]
If you’re into yoga, you may be familiar with a new trend sweeping the country. It’s called “goat yoga”. “Why goats?” you may ask. Goats are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic qualities. These innately gentle creatures are known to be exceptionally even tempered. And, contrary to popular opinion, they are naturally clean animals. They […]