It was not that long ago that, if your loved one was diagnosed with dementia, your only option would be to find an “assisted living” or a “long-term care” community. Assisted living is a term that refers to an environment where elderly residents are given assistance with their daily needs, usually with a nurse on staff […]
Families of individuals with dementia often tell us that one of the greatest sources of anxiety they experience is not having all their parent’s key documents in one place. They often find themselves in a state of flux, saying over and over “Yes, I know I need to find that,” or “I’ll have to go […]
At Anthem Memory Care communities, the kitchen is a warm, happy gathering place where staff, residents and families are encouraged to bake together. A great example of this is the weekly Girl Scout visit to Harvester Place Memory Care, an Anthem community in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The girls join the residents every Thursday to bake cookies and […]
As technology continues to produce innovative applications to serve the needs of older citizens, families are turning more than ever to computer programs to help loved ones struggling with dementia. Why is this? Research has shown that well designed computer-based applications are proving to be instrumental in helping individuals with dementia to retain a higher […]
The Alzheimer’s Organization, in a recent article, provided a striking example of the power art can have on individuals struggling with dementia. They describe two individuals who had lost their ability to communicate verbally, but who were able to express their lifelong passions through art. In one case, a man painted the birdhouses he had […]
Dr. Edward Creagen, of the Mayo Clinic, was once quoted as saying, “If pet ownership was a medication, it would be patented tomorrow.” It is a statement that most of us would agree with. Throughout history, much has been written about the seemingly miraculous effect pets can have on those who are ill or elderly. […]
If you are providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you have probably found yourself overwhelmed with the many demanding responsibilities. After all, you are carrying a heavy emotional burden on your shoulders. Perhaps you are telling yourself that you can cope; that you have everything under control. But do you? According to the […]
The Fourth of July is, without doubt, one of our noisiest holidays. Parades, pool parties and, of course, fireworks are the order of the day. If you have a parent with dementia, however, you know that these big noisy events can have a disastrous effect as they try to cope with all the excitement and […]
Nothing brings spontaneous moments of smiles and tears like family celebrations. For loved ones with dementia, however, those moments can be far and few in between. Yet, when they do occur, they are priceless. It is for these reasons, among others, that celebrating is an important part of socialization for individuals with dementia. And it […]
Experts in memory care have learned that environment plays a significant role in the well being of an individual struggling with dementia. Narrow, dark hallways with hospital-style equipment, low ceilings, small dark spaces; all contribute to an experience that fuels anxiety and a feeling of isolation in residents with dementia. Thankfully, research has led to […]
A Power of Attorney, or “POA”, allows an individual to appoint another individual (or organization) to manage their affairs if and when they become unable to do so. There are several different types of POAs to address a variety of situations and levels of control. A Durable Power of Attorney is most often granted by […]
When a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, all thoughts and actions are instantly adjusted to their needs. Your world has been turned upside down. But your own well being is now more important than ever. Because if you are not operating on all cylinders, everyone around you will suffer. […]
When a child or teen has a family member who is diagnosed with a dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, they will experience many of the same emotions that you, as an adult, feel. Often, however, their needs get overlooked as you, yourself, struggle to absorb the impact of the diagnosis. Then, when your attention returns […]
Driving with dementia is a dangerous combination. The truth, however, is that many individuals with dementia are still behind the wheel. If your mom or dad is one of them, chances are you’ve tried to initiate conversations about giving up the car keys, only to hear something along the lines of, “I’ve been driving to […]
A cruel consequence of Alzheimer’s disease is that it can rob its victims, not only of their memories, but of their ability to speak. Such is the case for Olga Lorentz, who can no longer personally recount her extraordinary story of survival as a Polish street medic during World War II. Fortunately, Olga’s daughter, Danusia, […]