The holidays have wrapped up, and our residents are diving into a fresh new year, busy with meaningful projects and activities that bring purpose, joy, and connection to their lives and to those around them. Many of these activities focus on giving back, such as donating clothing and handmade blankets for local organizations that support underserved communities. Others celebrate the unique skills and talents of our residents through art and music. And some are just plain fun, bringing smiles and laughter to residents, staff and families.
Here are just a few of the many activities our residents have enjoyed so far in 2026… and we’re only getting started!
Residents at Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois worked together to make hand-tie quilts for the Family Promise North Shore Homeless Shelter, to provide warmth and comfort to families and individuals in need during the cold winter season.
Who says it never snows in Murrieta, California? Vineyard Place Memory Care residents enjoyed frolicking with local school children for a “snow day”. They quickly found out that snow is snow, even from a snow machine, and the smiles on their faces say it all!
Willow Springs Memory Care residents in Redding, California already have their eyes on spring, hand painting bird feeders to hang on their grounds. Looking forward to the visiting birds when the weather warms up.
Churchill Place Memory Care residents express their appreciation to local Glen Ellyn, Illinois first responders by paying a visit to the Glen Ellyn Police Station where they dropped off “goodie bags” filled with treats and personal notes of gratitude.
Concord Place Memory Care residents and staff celebrated “Humanitarian Day” in a deep dive research session into the lives of individuals who have sacrificed their lives to make the world a better place. This photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. also celebrates the civil rights leader’s January birthday!
Artists in session: Emerald Place Memory Care residents show off their artistic talents in a special watercolor session. Many residents have been artists all their lives and continue to enjoy expressing themselves through creative projects like this.
Vineyard Place Memory Care residents deliver their handmade blankets to the local Y.E.S. Shelter to distribute to underserved members of the Murrieta, California community. Giving back is an important part of life for residents of all our communities.
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, consider starting the new year by sitting down and planning a few meaningful activities you can enjoy together. These shared moments will bring structure and a greater sense of purpose to the long winter days. And these activities don’t need to be elaborate. Something as simple as spending an hour every week looking through a family photo album or setting aside an old movie day can make a big difference. Having something to anticipate and look forward to is so important for individuals living with dementia … and just as vital for the family members who care for them.
(Our header image shows just how much our communities enjoy celebrations. This lovely resident of Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado toasts in a fresh new year.)