Recently Bill Hohs, co-founder of CareSpireVets, joined a focus group conducted at Willowbrook Place, an Anthem Memory Care community located in Littleton, Colorado. CareSpireVets is an organization run by Bill and his wife, Pam Peterson-Hohs, which provides Aid and Attendance pensions for wartime vets. They’ve been doing this for 12 years, now, yet Bill considers […]
It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a goofy photo of Bob Hope or a glam photo of Rita Hayworth. What matters is how sharing these photographs helps stimulate memories for those challenged by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. And no one understands this better than the team at our Chelsea Place memory care community […]
If you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, your main goal is probably to keep him or her at home for as long as possible. Why? Because you made a promise that you wouldn’t send them to “one of those homes”. And who can blame you? It […]
With the death of Robin Williams, millions of people were introduced to the term “Lewy Body Dementia”. Few understood what it was; only that it was a disease with a funny-sounding name. And one which contributed to the overwhelming depression and ultimate suicide of a very funny guy. Well there is nothing funny about Lewy […]
Last month our blog covered six reasons why changes in dementia care are needed, as taken from a recent newsletter article entitled “Dementia Care Isn’t What it Used to Be…And That’s a Good Thing Part I” written by Anne Ellett, M.S.N., N.P. Anne is a respected dementia care expert and the founder of MemoryCareSupport.com, a […]
Do you find yourself holding your breath as your dad or mom shuffles across the floor, daring to exhale only after he or she is finally settled into a chair? That shuffling gait, so common in older adults, can be caused by many things, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. What happens, due to a combination […]
You know that great feeling you get after a workout or walk around the block? It’s easier to breathe, your muscles feel re-charged and you feel calmer and more relaxed. Well, guess what? Individuals with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, get that same feeling. They may not be able to communicate it to you, but their […]
A lot has been written about the effect that different foods have on memory. Some foods are known to boost brain power and keep Alzheimer’s at bay. Others have actually been linked to Alzheimer’s. And, in some cases, to make things even more confusing, there are differing opinions. Take red meat, as an example. The […]
Who doesn’t remember playing games as a child growing up? Most of us recall the great feeling of winning a round of Gin Rummy or beating mom or dad in a game of checkers. When a loved one has a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, however, it can be difficult for them to concentrate, let alone […]
Anne Ellett, M.S.N., N.P., is worth listening to. She is a respected dementia care expert and the founder of memorysupport.com, a great resource for all things relating to dementia. She also participated on a panel of dementia experts following a preview of the film, “Alive Inside” in Denver, CO, hosted by Anthem Memory Care in […]
Have you ever felt the frustration when your mom or dad forgets meeting a person or a recent event? How often have you said, “You know her, Mom. You met her last week at lunch.” Or “You remember, we went there last week.” Phrases like “You remember” and “You know” no longer have relevance to […]
Socialization is important for all of us. But for those experiencing a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, it takes on an even more critical role. What do we mean by socialization? Put within the context of an individual experiencing a dementia, socialization provides a controlled, yet varied climate of both human and environmental interaction. […]
Many caregivers with parents who struggle with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia have asked us about respite care. Respite care is an arrangement you can make to have a loved one stay in a senior living community for a couple weeks or more. It gives you, the caregiver, a badly needed break to relax […]
When you move a loved one into a memory care community, you worry about all kinds of things. And, perhaps, most of all, you worry about the people into whose hands you are entrusting the care of your loved one. Who are they? Are they passionate about what they do? Will they be patient and […]
“This is excellent!” exclaimed Anthem Memory Care resident, Tom Crow. “I would do something like this again for sure.” Tom Crow was chatting it up about Anthem Memory Care’s inaugural Ki Aikido class, held earlier this month at Little’s Creek Park in Littleton, Colorado. Over 30 participants stretched their arms, punched the air and hollered […]