Seasonal weather changes impact all of us. A blazing hot summer day evokes a very different physical and emotional response than a cold winter’s day. Yet, what many families aren’t aware of is that these same seasonal changes that we navigate through without much difficulty can bring tremendous anxiety to an individual with dementia. There is a term for the impact of seasonal changes on some individuals. It’s called SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder).
SAD is known to have an even greater impact during winter. And those darker skies and colder days during the winter can be particularly challenging on individuals with dementia.
Long, dark, winter days spent indoors can impact health.
Being cooped up indoors for extended periods of time isn’t healthy for anyone. When the weather is cold and the skies are grey, it can become isolating for an individual with dementia. The lack of activities enjoyed in warmer weather can impact physical fitness. Individuals may nap more during the day which can lead to more restlessness at bedtime. All of these changes can become major issues for a person already struggling with memory and other behavior changes.
Research also point to the negative impact of winter on cognition. One study conducted with over 3,000 dementia participants in the U.S., Canada and France, found that cognition was significantly improved during summer and fall than during winter and spring. That means that winter months can have a negative impact on memory and behavior of individuals with dementia.
If left unaddressed, prolonged winter blues can lead to depression.
In addition to impacting cognition, the culmination of feeling isolated and unmotivated to engage in normal activities can lead an individual with dementia into a state of depression. This can become a serious issue if left unattended to.
Dealing effectively with winter blues begins by acknowledging that they exist. The next step is to realize that there are things you can do to help mitigate the impact of dark winter months on your loved one’s physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing.
Here are a few tips to help your loved one get through these months and help improve your own health and outlook as well:
Being aware of the impact these long, cold winter days can have on the emotional, physical and mental health of individuals with dementia is a critical first step for family caregivers. Taking actions, such as those above, will help to keep your loved one engaged and connected in a more positive way to you and their surroundings. They will feel better and more alert, and their mindset will be more positive. So will yours. And remember to remind them that winter will not last forever. The sun will shine again!
We encourage you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more tips on how to help conquer winter blues for your loved one and yourself. We’re here to help!
Setting a doctor’s appointment for a loved one who is showing signs of dementia is a unique and often daunting experience for families. Where to begin? Who to call? What will the next steps be? How will my loved one deal with the diagnosis?
Start by setting up an appointment with your loved one’s general physician.
Your loved one’s GP is typically the one they are most comfortable visiting. They are equipped to begin the process of having them tested. Some may conduct the tests themselves or oversee the process conducted by a trained specialist. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, most trained physicians are able to provide an accurate diagnosis 90% of the time.
In advance of your initial visit:
The Alzheimer’s Association also recommends jotting down some questions to ask, which might include:
On the day of your visit:
Harvard Health has published some good tips for optimizing your initial visit and making it less stressful on you and your loved one. We’ve paraphrased a few of them below:
After a diagnosis of dementia has been made, the follow up begins.
Once a dementia diagnosis is made, the journey of care and support begins. This new chapter involves navigating various steps to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care. While it may feel overwhelming at first, breaking the process into manageable pieces can help you focus on what needs to be done and when.
In addition to continuing regular checkups with your loved one’s primary care physician, you may need to coordinate appointments with a team of specialists. These healthcare professionals might include any of the following: neurologists, neuropsychologists, therapists, and nurses, among others. Each plays an important role in assessing cognitive changes, developing personalized treatment plans, and addressing your loved one’s unique needs.
With the help of these experts, your family can better understand the progression of dementia and explore strategies to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. While it’s natural to feel uncertain at first, know that you are not alone—support and guidance are available every step of the way.
By following the tips above, those doctor visits will become less hectic and more routine as you and your loved one become acclimated to their care plan. Consider gaining access to your loved one’s patient portal. This will help you stay on track and organize doctor visits more easily.
Remember, too, to encourage and accept support from family members and close friends. Your loved one’s care journey is not one to take alone.
Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities as you begin this journey. We have resources to help you in all aspects of loving and caring for your loved one and, just as important, for yourself!
Don Jacobson, World War II veteran and resident of Franklin Place Memory Care in Franklin, Wisconsin celebrated his 102nd birthday joined by fellow residents, staff, and family.
Mr. Jacobson served in the Navy in WW II before becoming a tool and die maker at Allis Chalmers. He was married for 65 years and has 12 children and 29 grandchildren to show for it!
Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating this special birthday and sharing memories of earlier days. The event was covered in the Franklin Patch which you can read here.
When an individual is in the earlier stages of dementia, the symptoms can be easy for family members to push aside. After all, they’re getting older and more forgetful. That happens to all of us, right? Yet, at some point, real concern may begin to creep in. “How could mom forget the name of her primary doctor?” or “Why did dad leave the water in the sink running?”
Those concerns should not be ignored.
Because there is a difference between occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing your keys and behaviors that signal the onset of dementia. And, while we may want to pass forgetfulness off as normal aging, in many cases we intuitively sense that it may be something more.
That early sense that something may be wrong is when it is time to have a talk with your loved one.
It isn’t easy. No one wants to be in the position of telling a loved one, especially a parent, that they are showing signs of dementia. And yet encouraging them to test for a potential early diagnosis has many benefits. So the time is now to have “the talk”.
The Alzheimer’s Association has tips as to when and how to broach this sensitive topic and communicate effectively with your loved one. Here are five we’ve summarized below to help make “the talk” easier:
Those of us who have been through this sensitive discussion know that it is never easy. We also know, however, how important that discussion is to the health and wellbeing of a loved one in the early stages of dementia.
Do you have more questions or concerns? Feel free to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and share our own experiences and resources with you. We’re always here to help.
If you want to know how much our residents and staff love the holidays, just walk inside the doors of any of our communities and you’ll feel the joy. To be honest, we’re not sure which we enjoy most, the preparations, the visits from schoolchildren and families, or the actual holiday itself. We just love it all.
For individuals living with dementia, the holidays have special meaning. Like all of us, they too cherish the familiar joys of engaging in seasonal traditions. Many of our residents find themselves reminiscing about earlier days spent trimming the Christmas tree, or lighting the candles on the menorah, or the hustle and bustle of shopping for toys for the kids. And we love hearing their stories.
This is a special time of the year when we come together to celebrate the season and each other. In that spirit we’d like to share some of the many holiday activities our residents and staff have enjoyed … so far!
Residents of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota made Angel Cards with handwritten notes to distribute to individuals who are alone during the holidays.
This resident of Harvester Place Memory Care in Burr Ridge, Illinois picks out fun gift items to be distributed as part of their annual Toy Drive.
Putting the final touches on the gorgeous Christmas tree at Vineyard Place Memory Care in Murietta, California.
This resident of Franklin Place Memory Care helps deliver food items to the Milwaukee Hunger Task Force for distribution to underserved members of the greater community.
Local students from St. James Elementary School visited Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado to sing carols and bring joy to residents and staff.
How are you celebrating the season with your family? If you have a loved one with dementia, there may be many activities in which you can include them. Gathering with family and friends is a big part of the season.
Before you know it, the holidays will be over. Make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy them. And feel free to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. You are always welcome here!
(Our lovely header image shows residents of Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas getting into the holiday spirit!)
A group of local homeschoolers joined Concord Place Memory Care residents and staff for a holiday celebration. The activities included crafts, tree decorating, and Christmas carols.
The day was topped off with a visit from Santa Claus! Inter-generational activities are so beneficial to individuals with memory loss. The children enjoy the interactions too.
You can read the full article on this special visit in the Farragut Press here.
Not everyone is feeling the joy this holiday season. And residents of Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota decided to do something about it. They have participated in the Angel Card Project, sending cards with handwritten notes to 17 states. The Angel Card Project is an internet-based charity that encourages groups to send greeting cards to those in need.
Giving back during the holiday season is a wonderful feeling, especially for individuals living with dementia. Like all of us, they value the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of others, especially during the holidays.
Cascade Creek's participation in the Angel Card Project was covered by the Rochester Patch. You can read the full story here.
We often hear from families who are seeking better ways of connecting with their loved ones with dementia. And, just as often, a family caregiver will share with us that exciting moment when, presented with an old photo, mom or dad perked up and proceeded to recall with great detail the individuals in the photo and the situation in which it was taken.
Of course, moments like these are precious for everyone. But figuring out what item might spark a memory isn’t easy. The truth is that everyone is unique, with their own individual life story full of memories. And as for which single item might stir a memory … no one can know for certain.
What is a memory box? What should go into it?
A memory box is a great way for families to gather together special mementos from days past and keep them in a place where they can be enjoyed regularly. It is exactly what it sounds like, a box full of memories. And they can include all kinds of things:
Some families create virtual memory boxes by storing photos, music, videos and audio tapes online. The objective is always the same, to keep precious mementos together in a safe, but accessible place where other family members can contribute to them along the way.
For individuals with dementia, these memory boxes are powerful in their ability to connect them with their past as well as connect to those around them. Sorting through the various mementos together brings a unique opportunity for families with loved ones who have a dementia because, while it impairs cognition and short term memory, it often leaves long term memories intact
Memory boxes can also be used for other purposes including:
It isn’t hard to get started making a memory box for your loved one. Chances are you probably have a good portion of items readily available. Then it’s just a matter of finding a sturdy box that is large enough to hold the mementos but not too heavy. Many craft stores sell wooden or heavy cardboard storage boxes at reasonable prices.
If you’d like to put a memory box together for your loved one, here are some tips:
Remember, there are no hard fast rules to building memory boxes. And you can certainly make more than one and keep them in convenient places for easy access. Then, when you find yourself sitting with mom on a rainy day, you now have a fun activity to enjoy. “Mom, let’s take a look at our memory box. I added a few items.”
Memory boxes may be full of old mementos, but the delight of engaging with them never grows old. The conversations surrounding a visit to the memory box will always be fresh and alive. Not only will your memory box benefit your loved one with dementia, but everyone in the family will soon discover the value of the special connections it brings.
Need some more tips? Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Many of our residents and staff members have created memory boxes. We’ll be glad to share some ideas to get you started.
To address the ongoing challenges of food insecurity in Milwaukee, residents and staff of Franklin Place Memory Care hosted a special month-long food drive, collecting 64 pounds of nonperishable food items. The food donations were then taken to the Hunger Task Force of West Milwaukee, Wisonsin where they will be distributed to local families in need.
The food drive was covered by the local Franklin Patch. You can read the full story here.
The holidays bring plenty of opportunities for lunches and dinners with friends and family. Restaurants are decorated and everyone is in a festive mood with high spirits. It is a special time to reconnect and catch up while enjoying a meal together.
It’s only natural that families would want to have a loved one with dementia be part of these get togethers. They may recollect dinners out at their favorite restaurants in years past and want to continue family traditions. But there can be real concerns as to how their loved one will react to the noise and traffic of servers moving from table to table and raised voices from other diners.
If you are facing these concerns, it’s understandable. Know that you are not alone. However, by doing some homework and with a little planning, your loved one may be able to join in the fun of a family lunch or dinner.
Here are eight tips to optimize a dining out experience for everyone:
But before you start making reservations …
Often, in an eagerness to be inclusive, families may neglect to ask their loved one in advance how they feel about having a meal in a restaurant. Before you go to the trouble of planning your dining experience make sure they truly want to participate.
For instance, an older parent may be just as happy staying at home, preferring the peace and quiet of a smaller gathering at their home or in their senior living community. Don’t force them out of their routine if they clearly aren’t up to it. Instead, set a date when you can arrange for the family to visit them and dine together.
For those who are up for it, however, follow the above guidelines. It will give your loved one a precious opportunity to get out and socialize, something that is so important for those challenged by dementia. It may even lead to more meals out in the future, giving them (and your family) something to look forward to.
We love it when family members come to dine with residents at our Anthem Memory Care communities. We are proud of our culinary staff and the delicious meals they prepare. We welcome you to reach out to us or drop in to any of our communities for a visit and to enjoy a meal on us.
In the meantime, happy holidays. And bon appétit!
When the holidays roll around, the gift lists come out. For some it is easy, a giftcard to a favorite restaurant or shopping site, a book, tools, jewelry, or whatever they’ve hinted at earlier this fall.
For a loved one with dementia, however, gift giving can be more challenging. “Will she be able to operate this?” or “Can he get online to the website?” are questions you may be asking yourself as you hunt for the perfect gift for them.
The best gifts are those which are compatible to their stage of dementia.
Before you start your list, make sure you are aware of the stage of dementia the individual is experiencing. So, an individual in the earlier stages of dementia may regularly go on the internet. A gift card, therefore, may be an ideal way for them to pick out what they want.
For those in the middle stages or later of the disease, however, gift giving can become a bit more challenging. On one hand, you don’t want to be condescending with childish gifts. Yet you don’t want to give them a gift with complicated instructions or that requires operating an appliance or tool.
Here are some gift ideas to consider which cover all stages of dementia:
Try to avoid purely functional items like Velcro-fastened sneakers and mobility aids. Puzzles can be confusing and frustrating for individuals in the middle stages of dementia. Candy and other sweets may not be the best choice if the individual has issues with sugar or other health conditions.
Lastly, but most importantly, don’t forget the gift of quality time together.
Spending time with your loved one is more important than a new sweater or piece of jewelry. Consider giving them a card with an invitation to join you for lunch or the promise of a hand-delivered take-out meal from their favorite restaurant. And, while you’re at it, make your own New Year’s resolution to visit more often, possibly with one of their friends, family member, or well-behaved family pet.
If your loved one is living in assisted living or memory care, ask the frontline staff what he or she might like. Caring for them on a daily basis will give them insights as to appropriate gift ideas.
Finally, reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We love the holidays! And we’re making lists too. We’d be happy to share some of our ideas with you.
Residents of Pinnacle Place Memory Care in Little Rock, Arkansas have put together boxes of food for distribution by the Arkansas Food Bank. The residents refer to the boxes as "blessing boxes" and were eager to make sure that they worked together to make a difference for those less fortunate on Thanksgiving.
It is so important for individuals living with dementia to have goals and purpose in their lives. This is a great way to give back in a meaningful way.
The project was covered by local CBS/11 in Little Rock. You can watch the video here.
We speak often with family caregivers and are always moved by their loving dedication to providing quality care for their loved ones with dementia. These amazing individuals are selfless in their support, spending hours day in and day out to ensure that their loved one has what they need at any given moment.
For many families, the goal is to keep mom or dad in their own home as long as possible.
This is certainly an understandable goal. Being in a familiar environment is comforting and makes their loved one feel safe and secure. Often, the family will pool their resources to provide a certified home care worker to visit and make sure that their loved one is eating properly, their house is clean, and that they are taking their medications as prescribed.
However, in their efforts to maintain this familiar environment for their loved one struggling with cognitive issues, families may overlook providing something that is absolutely critical to an individual with dementia. That is, the benefits of daily socialization, achieved by building relationships with people and engaging with them every day.
For a loved one with dementia, the risks associated with isolation is very real.
The National Institutes of Health cites studies which have identified “an association between loneliness, social isolation, and reduced cognitive function, in older adults, across multiple cognitive domains, as well as a heightened risk of dementia.”
This is an important finding which families need to take into account as they strive to provide the best possible care for their loved one with dementia.
Here are three serious issues arising from isolation taken from resources, including our own:
Perspectives on Psychological Science cites a study on social isolation which found that it increases the risk of dementia by 50% and can shorten a person's life span by up to 15 years. It can also lead to other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. The same study found that the health risk associated with social isolation can be the equivalent of smoking fifteen cigarettes per day.
Social isolation can contribute to poorer cognitive function and decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks. According to another study cited by the National Institutes of Health, isolation can lead to “changes to underlying neural biomechanisms including cortisol secretion and brain volume alterations (e.g., white/grey matter, hippocampus) may contribute to these relationships.”
The National Institute on Aging has cited studies showing that social isolation leads to loneliness which can detach an individual in ways that impact wellbeing and can lead to depression.
Families must weigh the benefits of staying at home against the health risks of isolation.
Understanding the risks associated with isolation and the benefits of socialization is a key touchpoint for families seeking ways to provide safe and supportive social interactions for a loved one with dementia.
If you are a family caregiver of a loved one with dementia, seek opportunities to engage them with relatives and friends on a daily basis if possible. Of course, you must be careful not to overstimulate them and to adhere to a schedule that takes advantage of the best time of day for these interactions.
As the dementia progresses, family efforts may no longer be sufficient.
At some point, however, regardless of how diligently you work to optimize your loved one’s environment, there may come a time when their needs are best served by a transition into a memory care community. This will give them round the clock safety and security in a person-centered environment where social interaction is achieved every day.
Optimizing opportunities for socialization is an important cornerstone of our Anthem Memory Care community life engagement team. We welcome you to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. Many of us have been family caregivers ourselves and will be happy to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We can provide your family with tools and resources to assist you in caring for your loved one, well before you are ready to make long-term decisions. We are here to help!
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."
– Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
Those words are so true. Almost half of all family caregivers are providing care for a loved one with dementia, according to data released by The Alzheimer’s Association. And 83% of care for older individuals comes from family members. That means that most of us, at one time or another, will either be caring for a loved one ourselves or know someone who is.
The challenges faced by family caregivers of loved ones with dementia can be overwhelming.
Out of love and a sense of duty, however, these selfless individuals give of themselves freely and fully, often to the extent that it impacts their own health. They won’t always show it and will often put on a brave face to shield their mental and physical fatigue. But it’s there and it is very real.
The National Council on Aging lists some of the tasks done every day by family caregivers. We’ve summarized them below, with a few more of our own:
If you can imagine doing the above every day, week in and week out, often missing any sort of break, you can begin to understand the stress and immense wear and tear on the body and mental well-being. And it can result in serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and physical illness. They are also experiencing a special kind of grief as they struggle to come to terms with the illness of their loved one.
If you know a family caregiver, here are some ways you can help:
Many family caregivers hesitate to ask for help, even though they may need it.
Often, they worry about being a burden, or they may feel that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness. This reluctance can lead them to respond with, "I’m fine" or "I’ll let you know if I need help," even if the load is heavy. That's why the way you offer help can make all the difference.
When offering support, try to make it easier for caregivers to accept. Instead of saying, "Let me know when you need help," consider a more specific offer. For instance, ask, "Is Monday or Tuesday a better day for me to drop off dinner for you?" or "I don’t have any plans this weekend. Would Saturday or Sunday work better for me to visit with your dad so you can enjoy some ‘you’ time?" By proposing a specific action and timeframe, you allow caregivers to feel more comfortable accepting help without the burden of asking.
Small gestures like these not only lighten their load but also remind caregivers that they’re supported and not alone. Sometimes, the best support you can give is by simply showing up and offering help in a way that’s easy to say "yes" to.
It’s time to reach out to the family caregiver in your life.
Offering help, even in the smallest way, can help take some of the pressure off of them. We encourage you to reach out to the friend or neighbor who is caring for a loved one with dementia. Family caregivers need you! Make it a part of your life to play a more helpful role in their life. Make sure they are aware of services including Caregiver Action Network, The National Alliance for Caregiving, and Share The Care. Or encourage them to take advantage of respite care through a local memory care community. They can also visit our Anthem Memory Care resource page for links to additional resources.
Finally, we welcome family caregivers to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities with their questions and concerns. Many of us have been family caregivers ourselves and understand the challenging journey you are on. We are always here to help!
What is it about the act of patting a dog on the head, stroking the ears of a purring cat, or looking into the gentle eyes of a horse that brings a sense of tranquility and joy?
Scientists have been scratching their heads over that question for decades. And while there appears to be no magic inherent in the animals themselves, the impact on humans is very real. Our Anthem Memory Care communities witness it regularly as residents engage with a variety of therapy animals who pass through our doors.
Animal therapy helps to improve many health conditions. For example, the Psychiatric Times reports that animal therapy is being used successfully to treat a range of anxiety disorders, including PTSD and ADHD. Therapy animals are also used to buoy the spirits of hospital patients and disabled individuals.
Is there any science behind the effectiveness of animal therapy? The short answer is yes. Studies have found that positive interactions with animals can decrease levels of a hormone called cortisol, also referred to as the “stress hormone”. This helps to reduce anxiety.
And there are studies on how interactions with animals impacts behavior. Studies reported in the National Institutes of Health medical journals, and sources including The Alzheimer’s Association have noted several ways in which animal therapy improves the health and wellbeing of individuals with dementia, including the following:
Animals provide a natural, but powerful therapy. And while the benefits can be hard to quantify, they are very real. Our residents are proof of that. Our communities have captured many wonderful moments of residents engaging with animals.
Here are a few of our favorites:
This resident’s face lights up as she strokes the muzzle of this gentle labrador at Chelsea Place Memory Care in Aurora, Colorado.
Harvester Place Memory Care resident in Burr Ridge, Illinois gets a kick out of this lovely sloth, courtesy of the Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo.
This beautiful working horse waits for a nose rub from a resident of Morningside Place Memory Care in Overland Park, Kansas. Notice the anticipation in her face!
We love this photo of a resident of Emerald Place Memory Care in Glenview, Illinois engaging with Bella, the resident therapy dog.
This resident of Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado proves that cats like nurturing too!
Are you caring for a loved one who is also an animal lover? If they don’t have a pet themselves, make an effort to connect them with the family or neighbor dog or cat. They will come to look forward to those interactions and you will begin to experience the benefits those visits bring to your loved one and to you as well. And be prepared that they may spark a memory or two in the process.
We also encourage you to visit our Anthem Memory Care community websites as well as our Facebook pages. You’ll see lots of great photos and videos of residents engaging with our therapy animals and the smiles that go with them.
(We love our header image! It’s hard not to feel some of the enjoy this resident of Chelsea Place Memory Care is experiencing engaging with a pony at a local stable.)