As we continue to navigate carefully through this pandemic, Anthem Memory Care community leadership has been busy seeking safe and enjoyable ways to bring our residents together with their loved ones.

Socialization is so important for individuals with dementia and our communities have been doing a great job using technologies, like video chat, to connect our residents with family, hosting car parades, and facilitating “window visits” so that residents can safely see the faces of their loved ones up close.

We have also been carefully planning for the day when the weather warms up and we can bring families and residents together, CDC safety precautions intact, outside in our courtyards. And we’re happy to report that our communities are doing just that!

Grace Point Place Memory Care in Oak Lawn, Illinois is a great example of finding innovative ways to bring people together safely. They have created what they call their “Backyard Beach”, the purpose of which is to create a fun, beach-themed outdoor setting for residents and family to visit. One recent visit was covered by CBS Local in the video shown below:

We understand how challenging these times have been for loving family members and residents. The pandemic has reshaped the way we communicate, keeping so many older adults from much needed physical contact with their loved ones.

However, with creativity and attention to CDC guidelines, it is possible to bring us closer together again. We are so proud of our staff and all their hard work to make these backyard beach visits possible. They are true heroes and our residents and family members share in applauding their outstanding commitment to creating a safe and loving environment for our residents.

(The title image was taken from the CBS Local video filmed at Grace Point Place)