Anthem Memory Care Blog

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 […]

We often hear from family members of loved ones newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seeking their next steps. They will ask us, “What do we do now?” It's a good question. And if this is your situation, it is important to first understand that your feelings are normal. Secondly, know that you are not alone. You have […]

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 […]

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” – Henry Ward Beecher November, as you may know, is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a month to show our appreciation and support for the caregivers in our lives. And there are many. The National Alliance […]

Most of us will readily acknowlege the power of music in our lives. While our individual tastes may differ, we have our favorite songs and delight to the memories they bring back to us. For individuals with dementia, music takes on added importance. This is often because music has the power to connect to those […]

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 […]

As we head into March, most of us begin longing for the first signs of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and more opportunities to venture outdoors. We all look forward to being able to open a window occasionally and not worry about a blast of cold air hitting us in the face. For individuals […]

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 […]

If you are a family caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that the holidays bring special challenges. On one hand, you enjoy all the music and decorations, as well as getting together with family and friends. However, all that hustle and bustle can create unwanted tensions as you struggle to balance […]

When a parent receives a diagnosis of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, everything changes. Adult children are faced with making decisions they thought they wouldn't need to make for another five or ten years. The status quo has been disrupted. For many, the goal becomes to keep mom or dad in their home as long as […]

As the weather begins to warm up, most of us find ourselves longing to get out of the house. If you live in a colder climate, you may have been cooped up over the long winter and wet spring and look forward to shopping, visits to the park, cook-outs and warm evenings, sitting outside with […]

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that, at times, nothing feels more isolating. Nobody truly understands the very special and challenging world in which you are living. Nobody understands those sleepless nights and how hard it is to get out of bed each morning. Nobody, that is, except […]

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia and have been asking yourself lately “What do I do now?” or “How can I do on?” you are by no means alone. You are a normal, caring person shouldering an enormous responsibility. But you can’t tackle this by yourself. Consider joining a […]

Every spring our Anthem Memory Care communities get out the gardening gloves and get to work. Planting is an activity that our residents, staff and families look forward to. It is a treat for the senses and an opportunity to engage with each other while connecting with nature. That doesn’t mean, however, that once planted […]

Something many of us take for granted is our mobility. For most able-bodied Americans, getting up and walking to the fridge or getting out of the car and walking into a store is just a part of our daily activities. But maintaining mobility becomes precious to us as we age. Stiff joints, sore muscles and […]