A dementia diagnosis can change the way a family thinks about the future. Decisions concerning safety, care, and long-term support that once seemed far away can suddenly feel much more urgent. So it is understandable to feel overwhelmed. There is a great deal to learn, and no single decision works for every family. One of […]
August brought plenty of sunshine and an occasional thunderstorm, but no shortage of meaningful moments across our Anthem Memory Care communities. As summer begins to wind down and children head back to school, we’re making the most of these final weeks of the season, enjoying outings, gathering with friends, celebrating special occasions, and finding plenty […]
A life dedicated to caring for others leaves an enduring legacy. Recently, residents, staff, and families at Concord Place Memory Care gathered for a moving ceremony to honor two remarkable residents and retired nurses, Dottie Ness and Mary Milora. The East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring nurses for their lifetime […]
Think back to a time when you learned something new. Maybe you finally mastered a recipe, learned how to use a new piece of technology, picked up a hobby, or discovered that you could do something you once thought was too difficult. There is something deeply satisfying about that moment when everything comes together—the feeling […]
A local group of Girl Scouts recently threw a fun “Once Upon a Tea Party” event for residents at Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas. They helped serve an array of delicious treats and tea to the delight of the residents! These intergenerational programs are so beneficial to residents and to the young […]
When a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it impacts the entire family. And that, of course, includes its youngest members. While adults often focus on caregiving responsibilities and medical decisions, children are quietly observing the changes happening around them. They may notice that Grandma forgets their name, Grandpa repeats the same story several […]
One of the best things about summer is participating in outdoor fun and gatherings. For many families, that means picnics and backyard barbecues with hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, chips, and other summertime favorites. It's a season for enjoying one another's company while roasting s'mores around the fire pit or sharing homemade […]
Last month, seven tornadoes tore through the Chicago area, with winds between 80 and 100 miles per hour, causing widespread damage. The damage has been devastating for residents in the area, especially those in a south suburb where a tornado ravaged the same neighborhood twice. Residents and staff at Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr […]
Visitors to our Anthem Memory Care communities often remark about the amazing life stories our residents share. And there are plenty of them! From accomplished artists and railroad engineers to talented opera singers, each person brings with them a lifetime of fascinating experiences and memories, many of which were celebrated this month. Between outings, celebrations, […]
Willowbrook Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, recently partnered with Operation 4 Paws to host a fun-filled animal adoption event. The residents loved spending time with the animals, and the event launched an ongoing partnership with Operation 4 Paws, which now returns for regular pet therapy visits. They hope to host another adoption event next […]
Concord Place Memory Care in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently celebrated the life of 99-year-old resident Marilyn Shotz Hahn, whose lifelong passion for music continues to inspire her family, fellow residents, and caregivers. Now living with memory loss, Hahn has also lost her sight and much of her hearing, but music remains a powerful connection to her […]
It can be incredibly upsetting when a loved one with dementia suddenly accuses you of stealing their wallet or whispers in an agitated tone that someone is threatening to harm them. These accusations are alarming and can feel personal, especially when you're doing everything you can to care for them. What family caregivers need to […]
Residents of Clear Creek Memory Care in Fayetteville, Arkansas, visited nearby Springdale Animal Services to deliver homemade pet treats, blankets, and toys. With them was Clear Creek’s Chaplain, William Henshaw, author of a new book, “Beyond the Rainbow,” geared towards helping individuals who have lost a pet cope with their grief. The residents love giving […]
At Anthem Memory Care communities, we have witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation that occurs when residents engage in creative art activities. We also see their curiosity and enthusiasm come alive during visits to art museums and exhibits. Art has a unique ability to activate regions of the brain that are often difficult to access or […]
For family caregivers, summer doesn't always feel like a season of relaxation. Caring for a loved one with dementia during the summer months can bring a unique set of challenges, from managing more outdoor activities to navigating disrupted routines and increased family demands. Outings that once seemed simple, such as attending a barbecue, enjoying a […]