Welcome to Our Memory Care Community in Oakbrook Terrace, IL

An award winning memory care community and facility centrally located in the Western Suburbs that is 100% dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia care

Terra Vista is an All Inclusive Memory Care Assisted Living Community designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Our Alzheimer’s and dementia care community is managed by a team of memory care experts with personal connections to dementia. The staff at our assisted living community is fully committed to creating compassionate human interactions with each resident.

Our dementia and Alzheimer’s care facility features advanced security to ensure your loved one is safe. Following the Montessori approach, we create social and physical environments that support independence and enable residents to enjoy personally meaningful activities. We focus on the whole person, sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals with each resident and his or her family. We are a dementia care assisted living community that utilizes a  “person-centered,” dignified, and researched approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care that has consistently led the industry. The staff at our memory care community offers both long term stays and short term respite memory care services.

Call NowContact Us

Memory Care Services & Amenities

Life Continues in a Community That Cares

At Terra Vista, we believe in seeing our Alzheimer’s and dementia residents as individuals first, not their disease. To accomplish this, we’ve designed an award-winning memory care facility and community that gives Alzheimer’s and dementia residents 24-hour care in a place that feels just like home. We understand the challenges of moving a loved one into a memory care facility. However, you can rest assured because your loved one is not alone. Our community keeps residents safe while giving them the freedom to roam in a secure environment designed for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The staff at our community offer innovative services and amenities that are designed to enhance your loved one’s life.

Contact Us Call Now
dementia caregiver spending time with elderly couple

Health & Fitness Activities

At Terra Vista, we understand that keeping residents active helps them stay healthy and happy. The staff at our memory care living community in Oakbrook Terrace are committed to designing programs and activities to improve the overall quality of life for each resident. Whether it’s just going for a walk or finding a new hobby such as gardening, your loved one will enjoy a wide selection of stimulating and fulfilling activities.

Each program or therapy session complements your family member’s care. To help foster a mentally and physically healthy lifestyle, we offer the following programs and activities to residents.

Modified Exercise
Pet Therapy
Gardening Activities 
Aromatherapy 
Art Therapy 
Sensory Based Programs
Reminiscing 
Walking
Music Therapy
Book a Free Tour Call Now

Our Recent Google Reviews

Excellent
Based on 47 reviews
Tom Gearing
Tom Gearing
March 10, 2023
It was a relief to see the wonderful facility that my sister can now call home. The staff is very professional, attentive and comforting to the residents. I feel very comfortable knowing the great care that Oakbrook Terrace provides.
robin krusenoski
robin krusenoski
January 5, 2023
Just had a really comprehensive care plan meeting. The staff are good listeners and have great ideas. Thank you
Stacy Schuler
Stacy Schuler
December 30, 2022
The workers are so kind, and my aunt is so loved & well-cared for at Terra Vista! The facility is also clean & well-maintained.
Timothy O'Reilly
Timothy O'Reilly
December 30, 2022
Terra Vista is a top notch Care Facility!!! No matter what time I go there the Staff is always friendly and caring. The facility is always Clean and Oder free.. I highly recommend Terra Vista as a Top Notch Memory Care Facility...
Maria Wachholz
Maria Wachholz
December 7, 2022
My mom lived at Terra Vista for almost 5 years and they were professional, caring and attentive. They always listened to her needs and then came up with solutions to help her. The staff is amazing! The nurses, caregivers, office staff, everyone is helpful and personable. I knew that my mom was safe and they were equipped to deal with her needs. Always going above and beyond. Thank you Terra Vista!
Lisa Callahan
Lisa Callahan
November 30, 2022
Such sweet care and love given by a warm, thoughtful staff.
NIcole Trusty
NIcole Trusty
November 24, 2022
In one word, Awesome!!!!!!!!

Custom Memory Care Services

Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace understands that the needs of each resident vary. To properly meet their demands and customize their care and services, we ask the resident’s family to fill out the “Life Story Questionnaire.” This questionnaire is designed to help our staff become familiar with your loved one’s habits, history, hobbies, personality, and interests. The “Life Story Questionnaire” helps give our staff details about who the resident is as a whole person. The staff at our memory care assisted living facility use this information to create meaningful and joyful moments with your loved one. Additionally, there are survey opportunities for families to send feedback on our services, quality of care, and more.

Tips For Dementia & Alzheimer's Caregivers During COVID-19

Life Story Questionnaire

The “Life Story Questionnaire” has about 70-80 questions for the resident’s family to answer. This information provides the team at our memory care facility in Oakbrook Terrace with the tools necessary to help your family member continue to live a comfortable and familiar life.

We want to understand your loved one’s likes and preferences. This information helps us deliver customized dementia care services to each individual.

Below is a List of Details The Life Story Questionnaire Provides to Our Staff
Your Loved Ones:
Childhood
Parents
Siblings
Friends
Life Achievements
Past Traumas
Favorite Activities & Hobbies
Habits
Your Loved Ones:
Daily Routines
Personality
Current & Past Relationships
Career History
Ways to Calm the Resident
Things that Make the Resident Happy
Music and Other Preferences
Food Likes & Dislikes
Call Now
Contact Us

How Can I Receive Updates About My Mother, Father, or Family Member?

To receive community updates or calendar events, families are invited to use our Care Merge app and system. The Care Merge app features a calendar that is designed to display upcoming events and meal schedules at our dementia assisted living facility and community. In addition, the app features a messaging system that serves as a two way communication platform with families to exchange information about the resident and community. To ensure you are satisfied with our therapy programs and dementia care services, our team will send you a short Satisfaction Survey every 90 days through the Care Merge system. Your responses to this survey are used to improve the amenities, dining experience, quality of care or services, and activities in our community.

If you have a question about an upcoming doctor appointment or event, use the Care Merge app to message a staff member at Terra Vista. We will respond to your message quickly to keep you informed with the health of your mother, father, or family member in our community. You can access the Care Merge app on your computer or by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. We are committed to keeping you updated on the latest events and news in the community.

How Can I Receive Updates About My Mother, Father, or Family Member?

Read More

To receive community updates or calendar events, families are invited to use our Care Merge app and system. The Care Merge app features a calendar that is designed to display upcoming events and meal schedules at our dementia assisted living facility and community. In addition, the app features a messaging system that serves as a two way communication platform with families to exchange information about the resident and community. To ensure you are satisfied with our therapy programs and dementia care services, our team will send you a short Satisfaction Survey every 90 days through the Care Merge system. Your responses to this survey are used to improve the amenities, dining experience, quality of care or services, and activities in our community.

If you have a question about an upcoming doctor appointment or event, use the Care Merge app to message a staff member at Terra Vista. We will respond to your message quickly to keep you informed with the health of your mother, father, or family member in our community. You can access the Care Merge app on your computer or by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. We are committed to keeping you updated on the latest events and news in the community.

Safe & Innovative Living Areas

Our goal is to make the residents at our memory care facility feel at home. We do this by giving residents certain freedoms while ensuring their safety. We perform regular check-ins, offer routine assistance, monitor room temperature, install safety devices and more.

What Is The Apartment Layout?

To help residents feel at home, we designed our studio-style apartments to appear warm and inviting. Each furnished apartment features a bed, dresser, nightstand, large closet, windows, and private bathroom with varying room layouts and sizes designed to minimize confusion and encourage safety. Larger one-room apartments with two beds are designed to accommodate spouses or two family members that are living together. We use laminate flooring in each apartment and tile in the bathrooms for a modern and functional appearance.

The hallways in our memory care living facility are equipped with carpet and laminate flooring to help prevent tripping and other types of hazards. For your loved one’s safety at night, the apartments in our community feature bright and intuitive light fixtures. In the bathroom, we use motion sensor lights to help prevent accidents at night.

Call NowContact Us
terra vista apartment bedroom layout
care giver pushing dementia patient in wheelchair

Safety Measures We Take to Keep Residents Safe

The safety of your family member is of utmost importance. This is the reason the staff at our memory care living facility and community check in on residents routinely. Some residents are monitored more frequently depending on their mental and physical condition. During a routine check-in, we monitor the thermostat to ensure your loved one is comfortable. If your family member is unable to set the thermostat properly, we will install a tamper-proof box to keep the room at a safe temperature during the winter and summer seasons. We also install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each apartment at our dementia assisted living community as an additional safety measure. To prevent injuries in the spa rooms, the showers are equipped with skid-resistant rugs, shower chairs, and handrails. If your loved one needs assistance, our staff of caregivers is always available to help with bathing.

Book a Free Tour

Safe & Innovative Living Areas

Our goal is to make the residents at our memory care facility feel at home. We do this by giving residents certain freedoms while ensuring their safety. We perform regular check-ins, offer routine assistance, monitor room temperature, install safety devices and more.

What Is The Apartment Layout?

To help residents feel at home, we designed our studio-style apartments to appear warm and inviting. Each furnished apartment features a bed, dresser, nightstand, large closet, windows, and private bathroom with varying room layouts and sizes designed to minimize confusion and encourage safety. Larger one-room apartments with two beds are designed to accommodate spouses or two family members that are living together. We use laminate flooring in each apartment and tile in the bathrooms for a modern and functional appearance.

The hallways in our memory care living facility are equipped with carpet and laminate flooring to help prevent tripping and other types of hazards. For your loved one’s safety at night, the apartments in our community feature bright and intuitive light fixtures. In the bathroom, we use motion sensor lights to help prevent accidents at night.

Safety Measures We Take to Keep Residents Safe

The safety of your family member is of utmost importance. This is the reason the staff at our memory care living facility and community check in on residents routinely. Some residents are monitored more frequently depending on their mental and physical condition. During a routine check-in, we monitor the thermostat to ensure your loved one is comfortable. If your family member is unable to set the thermostat properly, we will install a tamper-proof box to keep the room at a safe temperature during the winter and summer seasons. We also install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each apartment at our dementia assisted living community as an additional safety measure. To prevent injuries in the spa rooms, the showers are equipped with skid-resistant rugs, shower chairs, and handrails. If your loved one needs assistance, our staff of caregivers is always available to help with bathing.
Book a Free Tour
Call Now

Food & Dining Options

Part of living a happy life is eating delicious and nutritious food. Residents have access to four neighborhood family-style dining rooms where they can eat with visiting family members, friends, and staff members. Our innovative dining rooms provide your loved one with beautiful views of our 18,000 square foot InnerWalk outdoor courtyard. The dining spaces at Terra Vista are designed to give your family member the opportunity of socialization with other residents and staff over a home-made meal.

What's On the Menu

Our culinary team puts together an appetizing menu that’s sure to make your family member feel at home. Residents can order a variety of meals, from sandwiches and pot roast to the homemade soup of the day.

On special occasions and holidays, we offer themed meals and snacks. To keep your family member satisfied between lunch and dinner, our staff offers tea, sandwiches, and various snacks throughout the day. In addition, the team at our memory care facility in Oakbrook Terrace offer brain-boosting smoothies and granola bars to residents to promote energy and healthy living.

Dining Safety

We use research-based dishware with special colored ring patterns to help residents identify dishware. The color contrast of the rings also fosters a healthy appetite according to studies. To enhance resident safety in the dining area, we use high quality plastic cups that look identical to glassware. Resident diets can be modified depending on their needs and adaptive utensils are utilized when beneficial

Hydration

To encourage residents to stay hydrated, our common living areas and front desk have drinking stations. The hydration stations feature clear pitchers of water filled with attractive fresh fruit to encourage residents to drink water every day.
Book a Free Tour
Terra Vista

6 Signs It’s Time To Move A Family Member to Our Dementia Care Community

Discovering your family member needs memory care is not easy. It’s normal not to know what to do, but it’s vital you address the situation. Our dementia assisted living facility is designed with the resources necessary to take care of your loved one. To help you determine if it’s time to transition your loved one into our community, we have created a list of factors to consider.

You Are Tired

Caring for someone with dementia can take a toll on you emotionally and physically, leading to caregiver burnout. In trying to provide the best care for your loved one, you may inadvertently harm your own health, especially if you’re caregiving alone. Memory care communities can give you the rest you need while also keeping you involved with important decisions and your loved one’s plan of care.

Top 6 Conditions That Are Misdiagnosed As Alzheimer’s Disease

Your Family Member Wanders

Do you notice your family member waking up in the middle of the night or becoming disoriented? This may lead to wandering. Wandering can be dangerous, especially in winter or summer, as it exposes them to extreme weather. They may also get lost and won’t know how to get back home. A benefit of moving your loved one into a memory care facility is obtaining access to enclosed outdoor spaces, such as the Innerwalk™ courtyard, that provides safety and freedom to roam and engage with the outdoors.

What Are the 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Your Loved One is Lonely

Unfortunately, people with dementia can easily experience loneliness and an increased risk of depression. In memory care communities, residents have scheduled activities specially designed for them. These activities promote a sense of purpose and help mitigate the anxiety and agitation that dementia often brings.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia? An Explanation of Symptoms & Causes

Changes in Physical Appearance & Health

Common indicators that your loved one needs assistance include weight changes, posture changes, and mobility problems. If your family member is going through weight changes, they could be forgetting to eat or have forgotten that they have eaten and eat again. If they are moving slowly, it could be a sign of disorientation or confusion. In memory care facilities, the staff will watch over your family member’s diet and nutrition to ensure they are eating healthy.

7 Benefits of Receiving an Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

You Are Concerned With Your Family Members Safety

If you constantly worry about your loved one’s safety, a memory care facility may be a better option. At a memory care community, people with dementia can get the specialized care they need from trained caregivers at any time of the day.

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: What Are the Differences?

Your Loved One is Not Practicing Personal Care

Neglecting personal hygiene, such as unwashed clothes, unkempt hair, and body odor signify that it may be time to move to a memory care assisted living community and facility. Beyond that, if your family member is missing doctor appointments or forgets to bathe, they may be showing signs of dementia. In a memory care community, personal care and assistance are included in daily activities to keep your family member in good shape.

what disorder is most commonly misdiagnosed as dementia
Book a Free Tour
Call Now

How Our Staff Alleviates Agitation & Anxiety With Residents

If a resident with dementia has anxiety or agitation, they may more easily become confused or disoriented. These situations are delicate, and our well-trained staff handles them accordingly. Keeping your loved one comfortable and stress-free means they can live a happier life.

Develop a Calm Environment

Part of handling anxiety or agitation is developing an environment that promotes a sense of calm. We achieve this by removing stressors, moving the individual to a quiet or safe area, and comforting them with a security object. A security object is anything that brings comfort or calmness when held by a resident. Staff are also trained to utilize the resident’s life story and give answers that make sense to them or help calm them.

4 Tips For Dementia Caregivers to Follow at Mealtime

Eliminate Environmental Triggers

Anything from noise, glare, and background distractions such as television can sometimes activate a resident’s anxiety or agitate them. We are mindful of triggers and do our best to eliminate them by either reducing the noise or distraction or relocating the resident.

elderly man looking at garden flowers - Montessori approach to memory care

Take Steps to Enhance the Comfort of Residents

We understand that residents may have fears and frustrations that are not always easily communicated. To ensure your loved one is comfortable and safe, the staff at our memory care living facility performs routine checks for pain, discomfort, fatigue, hunger, thirst, infection, and skin irritations. We also monitor the temperature of your family member’s room to ensure a comfortable environment for living.

caregiver and dementia patient

Simplifying Routines

Overly complicated tasks or routines can induce anxiety or agitation. That’s why our staff makes routines and activities as simple as possible for residents and are trained to break down tasks according to the resident’s ability.

care giver and patient looking at christmas art
Book a Free Tour

Discover a Community That Cares

At Terra Vista, we take a resident-centered approach to the way we care for our residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s . The staff at our memory care facility in Oakbrook Terrace are dedicated to helping residents live happily. We oversee and directly look after living areas, eating habits, food allergies, and medications. In our memory care facilities, your loved one’s safety and health are our number one priorities.

Our professional nursing staff can offer medical services for residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia 24 hours a day, so you can rest assured knowing your loved one is receiving proper care. If you are struggling to care for a family member with dementia, give us a call at (630) 534-0886 to discuss our memory care community and program services.

Give Our Staff A Call To Become Familiar With The Advantages Of Living In Our Memory Care Community

 

630-534-0886

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Frequently Asked Questions

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

There is not one specific test to determine if an individual has dementia. Physicians diagnose Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by completing a thorough physical examination, laboratory testing and obtaining one’s medical history. Additionally, the physician may also ask to speak with a family member to learn about or confirm the presence of specific symptoms associated with dementia.

Since there is not one test that provides a dementia diagnosis physicians may run a number of additional tests.  A doctor may perform various neuropsychological and cognitive tests to assess memory, comprehension, attention, judgment and reasoning, and verbal capabilities. An individual may also receive neurological tests that are designed to evaluate balance and reflexes, language capabilities, senses, problem-solving and movement.

Brain scans such as CT, RMI and PET scans may be utilized.  Psychiatric evaluations may also be conducted to determine if there is an underlying mental health condition such as depression contributing to symptoms.  Questions regarding behaviors that may be causing concern may also be discussed.  The overlap in symptoms of the various types of dementia can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.  However, it’s vital that you work with neurologists, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, or neuropsychologists to obtain an accurate dementia diagnosis and to assess your need for professional dementia care.

Do you have a mother or father with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Terra Vista is a dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois that cares for individuals with Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and other types of dementia. Give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 or contact a staff member online to discuss the Alzheimer’s and dementia care options that are available at our memory care facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that affects memory or brain functions.  Dementia, caused by damage to brain cells,  affects an individual’s ability to communicate which in turn affects one’s feelings, behaviors, and thinking.  These symptoms typically impact one’s daily life and activities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

There are many types of dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia affecting 60% to 80% of those with dementia.  Other dementia types include Frontotemporal disorders, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia and mixed dementia.

Dementia symptoms vary depending upon the cause but common signs include cognitive changes such as memory loss, difficulty finding words or communicating with others, challenges with spatial and visual abilities, difficulty handling complex tasks or problem-solving, disorientation and confusion and difficulty with motor functions and coordination.  Psychological changes may also be apparent. These changes may include depression, anxiety, paranoia, inappropriate behavior, and personality changes.

If you’re struggling to care for a family member with dementia, it may be time to consider a dementia care community. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace that specializes at caring for individuals with all types of dementia. From housekeeping, medication coordination, to nurse supervision, our community will help enrich the life of your family member. Give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our amenities and memory programs.

What Types of Care Are Provided By a Dementia Care Community?

When you are in the process of researching dementia care communities and facilities for a family member, we recommend comparing the benefits provided at each institution. Our dementia care assisted living facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois offers amenities that are designed to enhance comfortability and socialization, such as gardening, yoga, field trips, pet therapy, aromatherapy, art sessions, and more. Our dementia care community also includes Innerwalk, the largest multi-sensory outdoor courtyard in the area. The courtyard features many activities such as intuitive pathways with seating, beautiful views, plants, herb gardens, and wayfinding elements.

Terra Vista is a dementia care assisted living facility and community that also offers care options such as nurse supervision, medication monitoring, laundry assistance, sensory programming, care supplies, meals, and snacks. In addition, Terra Vista offers expanded medical services for individuals with insurance. We also continuously invite geriatric physicians, optometrists, dentists, psychologists, podiatrists, and social workers to our dementia care campus to provide innovative medical care services to residents.

Our dementia assisted living facility provides many dining options to residents. We focus on providing a family style dining experience that is designed to accommodate sociability and physical mobility. Terra Vista features a total of four dining rooms that include an open atmosphere that allow residents, staff, and family to socialize. The goal of the staff at our Alzheimer’s and dementia care community is to connect with residents, assess behavior, and respond appropriately. If you need assistance caring for a family member with dementia, give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our dementia care assisted living facility and community.

What Causes Dementia?

While we are aware of the common symptoms of dementia, professionals are still conducting studies and research to determine the exact causes of different forms of dementia. The most common signs of dementia that may indicate it’s time to move to a dementia care community include short term memory loss, inability to multitask, language recognition issues, and inability to accurately analyze body language. These indicators of dementia may be caused by various elements. The most common related factor of dementia is the age of an individual. According to researchers, the probability of developing Alzheimer’s nearly doubles every five years after the age of 65.

In addition, there are various forms of diseases and conditions that can be inherited from family members that may increase your chances of developing dementia. The continous death of brain cells and the formation of neurodegenerative disease are associated with the development of dementia.

The most common causes of dementia include head injuries, tumors, heart disease, high blood pressure, and HIV disease. In addition, continuous head injuries caused by sports and other activities are associated with certain types of dementia. Various types of dementia are able to be treated by resolving issues with medications, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. If you or a family member is struggling with dementia, contact a specialist at our dementia nursing care community and facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. We are a dementia care community that provides long term specialized programs and activities for individuals with dementia.

What Are the 7 Stages of Dementia

Dementia is a condition that affects everybody differently. Some individuals with a common form of dementia are able to preserve their mental awareness for a long period of time. However, other people may suffer from severe mental decline in the early stages of dementia and may require specialized support from a dementia care community. There are a total of 7 stages that are used to benchmark the progression of dementia. Becoming familiar with each phase will help you better understand the mental and physical conditions of a family member with dementia.

Stage 1 of dementia is usually hard to detect since there are no common indicators of mental or physical impairment. You would be required to visit a medical professional to confirm a stage 1 diagnosis of this disease. However, stage 2 of dementia is able to be associated with short term memory issues such as forgetting dates and losing possessions such as car keys, purses, clothes, and makeup. Phase 3 of this medical condition can be linked to noticable memory and performance issues, including decreases in day-to-day productivity, speaking skills, project performance, and conflict resolution.

When a family member transitions from mild to moderate cognitive issues, this is labeled as stage 4 of dementia. If you’re in this phase of the disease, we recommend regularly visiting a doctor or medical professional and consider long term dementia care options. Once an individual reaches stage 5 and 6 of dementia, we recommend moving to a dementia nursing care community to receive assistance with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, and walking.

We recommend hiring a caregiver or moving a family member into a dementia care community throughout phases 5 and 6 of the disease, if not before. Once a loved one reaches stage 7 of dementia, they will be unable to live on their own and care for themselves. It is not uncommon for senior citizens to lose their ability to walk or speak during this phase. We are a dementia care assisted living facility in Oakbrook Terrace that specializes in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. From medication monitoring, housekeeping, cooking, to bathing, our staff will help care for your loved one.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is an assistive support program provided by Alzheimer’s and dementia care communities. Our memory care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois strategizes and executes daily activities with residents that are designed to retain and prolong cognitive functional capabilities.

Each of the employees at our memory care community are trained to interact and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Terra Vista provides amenities and activities that are designed to enhance mental competencies in areas such as decision making, problem solving, processing, thinking, and remembering.

Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community that provides assisted living services that include medication administration, individual needs assistance, laundry assistance, meal preparation, and sensory based activities. Our memory care facility also encourages each resident to participate in fulfilling activities  such as gardening, aromatherapy, art sessions, yoga, and field trips.

Each of the apartments  at our memory care community and facility is designed with easy-to-navigate floor plans, a private restroom, laminate flooring, and comforting color pallets to ensure each resident feels comfortable and calm. The apartments also include large windows with excellent views that allow natural light to fill the environment. Terra Vista’s corridors include an intuitive floor plan accompanied by innovative security solutions to ensure your loved one is safe. To learn more about our dementia care facility and programs, fill out our Contact Form or give us a call  at (630) 534-0886 to receive assistance.

How Do I Lower My Chances of Developing Dementia?

Dementia is a term that refers to a set of conditions and diseases that are associated with a decline in cognitive functioning skills, such as problem solving, memory recollection, and mental processing. Most types of dementia also interfere with daily physical activities such as exercising, walking, cleaning, and communicating. If you’ve recently started to plan your retirement with a spouse, you may be wondering if there are ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Studies have shown that participating in a continuous exercise schedule may lower your chances of developing dementia. An excellent way to stimulate your mind and body is to participate in cardiovascular activities such as walking, swimming, jogging, or climbing each week. Another thing you can do to lower your risk of dementia is eat healthy fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and other types of food that are high in antioxidants. Lastly, engaging in social atmospheres, clubs, or communities with friends or family is an excellent way to keep your mind healthy.

Our staff is trained to provide compassionate support to residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. By providing emotional support, the staff at our dementia care community are able to help improve the mental stability and dignity of each resident. We provide daily activities and interactions to residents with all types of dementia, such as  Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Frontotemporal, and Lewy Body.

If you need assistance caring for a family member with dementia, give us a call at (630) 534-0886. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community that specializes at caring for individuals with moderate to severe memory issues.

What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Scientists are not able to fully pinpoint the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease in the standard population. However, it has been determined that likely causes include lifestyle patterns, genetics, and developments to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that becomes more severe with time. Individuals with Alzheimer’s will notice impaired short term memory capabilities due to a loss of neurons and linkages in the brain. If you have a mother or father with Alzheimer’s, it may be time to consider enrolling at our Alzheimer’s care community and facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Give us a call at (630) 534-0886 to schedule a tour of our community

Individuals that are above the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia compared to younger individuals. Reputable studies have displayed that one-third of the population that are 85 or older are susceptible to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease. Although we may not be aware of the exact causes of Alzheimer’s dementia, industry experts are dedicated to pinpointing the changes with neurons and brain cells among older adults to learn more about the factors that cause short-term and long-term memory loss.

If you have a history of Alzheimer’s disease in your family, this will increase the probability of memory issues in the future. However, a family history of the disease does not mean you will inherit it. In fact, there is an excellent chance that you may never develop Alzheimer’s disease. This is especially true for individuals that participate in continuous mental stimulation and physical activities. If you’re having trouble caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be time to consider investing in a professional dementia and Alzheimer’s care program. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s care community and facility that provides programs and medical services to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

From insulin administration, medication monitoring, assisted daily living activities, to housekeeping, the staff at our dementia and Alzherimer’s care facility is dedicated to providing a comfortable, friendly, and stimulating environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s. The staff at Terra Vista is aware that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may introduce financial stress among family members. This is why we provide dementia and Alzheimer’s care programs that feature no hidden costs or fees. In addition, our memory care assisted living rates will never deviate based on evolving Alzheimer’s care requirements. In addition, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may qualify veterans and their partners for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have further questions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease or our Alzheimer’s care programs and facility, give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886.

What Is The Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

A common question that the staff at our dementia care community receives from family members is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is a condition that refers to mental and physical difficulties such as short-term memory loss, communication issues, and physical performance. Alzheimer’s disease is the most abundant form of dementia that causes issues with retention, verbal communication, and mental processing.

Individuals with dementia may have a hard time communicating, focusing, judging daily situations, remembering recent events, or detecting movement. Various types of dementia share the same symptoms, which will make it hard for a doctor to pinpoint the exact condition of a family member. Sharing all noticeable symptoms with your doctor will help him or her perform an accurate diagnosis and confirm the type of dementia you are affected by.

Over half the population of individuals that have dementia are living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease results in  excess proteins and fibers in the brain that inhibit communication between nerve cells. As this form of dementia progresses, it may become necessary to move to an Alzheimer’s care community and facility due to symptoms such as mental instability, mood alterations, and increased agitation. In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, there are other types of dementia such as Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Huntington’s disease. Now that you’re aware about the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, we recommend getting your family member tested if they are displaying common signs.

Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community and facility that is dedicated to enriching the lives of its residents. We are solely dedicated to providing lifestyle care and medical services to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Unlike other memory care facilities in the area, we make it easy for family members to stay connected to their loved one. Our VistaSocialTM mobile app is designed to keep you updated with the daily activities of loved ones. In addition, our dementia care community is managed by our SARA system. This platform provides alarm notifications, emergency notifications, and announcements to the staff at our Alzheimer’s care assisted living facility. Give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our memory and dementia care programs in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

What Are The Symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

The brain is equipped with compartments that are referred to as ventricles. The ventricles are filled with a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is designed to protect your spinal cord and brain from injuries. Although this type of fluid is critical to protecting each chamber of the brain, an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid will negatively impact your physical and mental health. If the compartments of your brain are filled with too much cerebrospinal fluid, this can cause Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

The most apparent symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus include depression, walking issues, variations in mood, loss of balance, sadness, and damage to verbal communication skills. An individual with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may have trouble participating in conversations and responding to questions. While it may be easy to assume your family member is having trouble with walking due to the natural process of aging, this type of mobility issue can be directly related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may encounter mild to severe gait disturbances. This is a term that refers to mobility and walking difficulties. Some individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may be able to walk slowly while other people may be unable to walk or stand. The earliest symptoms of this type of dementia include walking and balance issues.

If your family member with NPH is no longer able to navigate between areas of their household, it may be the appropriate time to consider making the transition to a memory care community and facility. The staff at Terra Vista is trained to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to discuss Alzheimer’s and dementia care options in Oakbrook Terrace.

What Are the Symptoms of Vascular Dementia?

The human brain relies on a network of arteries to receive resources such as oxygen, minerals, and vitamins. Your brain would not be able to process, segment, or store memories without a proper supply of nutrients. Vascular dementia is a type of dementia typically characterized by issues with strategizing, awareness, interpretation, and memory. A common cause of vascular dementia in older adults includes strokes. This type of medical condition can cause damage to the arteries in the brain.

Once an artery is damaged, your brain will not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients to conduct daily activities. Although a stroke may be a common cause of vascular dementia, there are a large number of other conditions that may be responsible for nutrient and blood circulation issues in the body. The symptoms of vascular dementia will deviate based on the portion of your brain where oxygen and blood circulation is restricted.

Typical signs and symptoms of vascular dementia include depression, disorientation, anxiety, and discomposure. An individual with this type of dementia may struggle to create short-term memories of recent events, situations, and accomplishments. In addition, it may be hard for a family member with vascular dementia to create adequate strategies to resolve daily problems that are encountered in the workforce and other public settings. A large number of people with vascular dementia also struggle to construct their thoughts and memories.

An individual may experience temporary symptoms that are identical to vascular dementia after a stroke. In some cases, these symptoms may not be associated with this type of dementia and will begin to fade as an individual recovers from a stroke. Although the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease develop slowly, the progression of signs or symptoms of vascular dementia can occur at a rapid rate.

Not all individuals that have lived through a stroke will develop vascular dementia. This type of dementia will only form if a stroke causes damage to arteries and blood vessels in the brain. A stroke with no noticable signs or symptoms of brain damage is referred to as a silent stroke. On the other hand, a stroke that produces symptoms such as disorientation and short-term memory loss is referred to as an apparent stroke.

Regardless of the type of stroke you have encountered in the past, the probability of developing vascular dementia increases each time a stroke occurs and you encounter cardiovascular issues. Other types of issues that can cause damage to the blood vessels and arteries in your brain include high blood pressure, diabetes, brain hemorrhages, and atherosclerosis. If a family member is displaying evidence of vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, give the team at our memory care community a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to become familiar with our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services.

Is Dementia & Alzheimer's Hereditary?

If you’ve had to help care for a relative with Alzheimer’s, you may be wondering if you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life. The answer to this question depends on a variety of variables that are associated with the genes in your family.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is in most cases produced by mutations in a specific type of gene in your family. If a parent has this gene, there is a 50% chance that the son or daughter will inherit the gene and develop early-onset Alzheimer’s. In 40% of other cases, it is unknown why an individual develops this disease early in their life.

Most people are exposed to late-onset Alzheimer’s. This variation of the disease occurs in individuals that are between the ages of 60 – 70 years old. This form of Alzheimer’s is not associated as highly with an individual gene mutation.

On the other hand, there are a variety of genetic variables that have been found to increase the probability of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s. If you believe a relative is suffering from the symptoms of early or late-onset Alzheimer’s, give us a call  at (630) 534-0886 to schedule a tour of our Alzheimer’s and dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Terra Vista Latest News