Anthem Memory Care Blog

If you ask a lawyer to define what it means to “take care of” someone, you would get an answer like “to make sure that someone’s needs are met”. Makes sense. But when we speak those words lovingly to an elderly mom or dad, the phrase becomes so much more than three words. It digs […]

When you are providing in-home care for a mom or dad or other loved one, there comes a point when you realize that he or she needs a level and type of memory care you are no longer able to provide. You may not talk about it, but the nagging feeling doesn’t go away. For […]

Recently, Willowbrook Memory Care welcomed a group of local school children to join residents in putting together cards and gift bags for the local police officers as part of “Thank a Police Officer Day”. The children made colorful “thank you” cards and the residents stuffed gift bags with candies and other delights. The officers enjoyed […]

No matter how long you may have suspected that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, nothing can prepare you for the actual diagnosis of the disease. It is overwhelming. So it is important to know that you have resources available to help guide you as you take this journey with your loved one. You can […]

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 […]

As we all know, the holidays can be an emotional time of year. For many it is a season of family gatherings, filled with laughter and good cheer. For others it can be stressful and even depressing, depending upon the situation. One thing is for certain. When you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, […]

Next time you’re with relatives, take along an old photograph to share. Watch the reactions of your various family members. Chances are you’ll see some animated facial expressions along with laughter or maybe a few sarcastic comments. That’s because photos have an amazing power to connect us to memories and to each other. This is […]

As we get deeper into the holiday season we can’t help but notice how music fills the air more than any other time of the year. We hear holiday music in our shopping malls, restaurants and, for many of us, in our homes. Few would argue the influence that music has on our emotions and the […]

For our Anthem Memory Care communities, May has been a month full of great outdoor activities. After a long, turbulent winter it’s been nice to be able to count on more sunny, warmer weather. Our residents and staff love to get outside and enjoy experiencing nature in full bloom. And this is so important for individuals […]

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 […]

Most of us, at one point or another in our lives, have contracted a urinary tract infection or “UTI” as they are more commonly called. They are uncomfortable for sure, causing pressure and pain. So, we drink plenty of water or cranberry juice and, if necessary, take medications to wipe out the infection. Then we […]

Isn’t it invigorating to take a walk outdoors and feel the sun on your shoulders and a gentle breeze on your face? When you come back indoors, don’t you feel more refreshed and energized? That’s because there is a heightened alertness that comes with activating all your senses through nature. This feeling of wellbeing can […]

The holidays are a time for family and friends to get together. And, it can get a little crazy with parties, impromptu get-togethers and out of town relatives to attend to. If you are a caregiver you know, first hand, the stress this can cause. Not only do you have a loved one to care […]

One of the most challenging transitions many of us must make in our lives is that from child to caregiver of a parent. After all, our parents raised us! They were the ones to tell us to put on a jacket when we went outside, to stay hydrated and to eat our vegetables. And they […]

We hear regularly from families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease who tell us that the words of a favorite quote, poem or scripture are what get them through those tough days when they feel helpless and, often, hopeless. We took some time to scour a variety of sources and found what we think are some […]