Alzheimer’s Disease

How to Relieve Holiday Stress for Caregivers

It’s likely as the holiday season rolls around that you’re experiencing emotional and physical stress as a spouse, partner, friend, or adult child caregiver. There are parties to plan, loved ones to see, and desserts to eat. It may not cross your mind as often as it should, but your health is an important part […]

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Should We Bring Mom or Dad Home from Their Community for the Holidays?

As we count down the days to Christmas, many families are asking themselves, “Should we go visit Mom or Dad at their community or bring them home for the day?” The answer isn’t always the same as every family’s situation is different. Our experts pose these questions to help you in your decision: Where would […]

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The Story of Phil & Jean

We all know the marriage vows, “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part”. Some of us live those vows to the letter. Jean is one of these individuals. We know […]

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Using Sights & Sounds to Calm Loved Ones with Dementia

Within our Sweet Memories neighborhoods, just like any neighborhood, residents have good days and bad days. Part of our job is to celebrate the good days and help residents cope with the bad days. We have several ways we do that. (Learn more about our Memory Care programming here.) One of the wonderful ways we […]

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Caregivers Should Focus on Attainable Goals

By Paula Harder, Vice President of Resident Programs Caring for loved ones diagnosed with memory loss can be extremely challenging. Oftentimes, we become stressed by the situation and don’t know where to turn for help or guidance. What caregivers must remember is that their health is ultimately as important as those they are looking after. […]

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Transitioning to Senior Living Before the Holidays

Christmas can often be a lonesome time for seniors living alone. Families visiting their loved ones sometimes see signs that their Mom or Dad is no longer safe at home, but they worry about making that change during the holidays. Guilt about making a change during the holidays can delay the process, but in our […]

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Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me

Country music legend, Glen Campbell was known for such hits as “Wichita Lineman” and “Rhinestone Cowboy” as well as a variety show and movie appearances. In his final years, Campbell struggled with something that our residents and family members know well: Alzheimer’s disease. After decades of performing on stage, for TV, movies and recording albums, […]

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Music and Memory

Do you ever hear a song that instantly brings you back to a specific memory or feeling?  At Commonwealth Senior Living, we know that music is a vital part of living a meaningful life, and it’s especially important for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  In fact, recent studies have shown there is a significant connection […]

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Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Paula Harder, Vice President of Resident Programs, gave a presentation to the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Richlands about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Jim Talbert from the Richlands News-Press attended the presentation and wrote a nice article about his experience. “Everybody’s experience is different was the message Paula Harder presented […]

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Exploring Your Life Kit

One of the most magical experiences in life is the chance to reminisce with friends and family. Memories are the tie that binds us and define who we are. During the aging process, we can have difficulty recalling details about specific events. Unfortunately, for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, memory loss […]

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