Tag: Oakbrook Terrace

Our philosophy, from the beginning, is that when someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, it is a diagnosis for the entire family. Spouses, siblings and adult children are usually the first line of caregivers for the affected family member. You may struggle to handle ordinary symptoms such as personality and behavioral changes. How to Explain Alzheimer’s Disease to Children Although it may

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Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression for mankind. It can reach us and affect us while we are still in the womb and take us back in time when we are older. Music has been used to stimulate, entertain, soothe, excite, celebrate, and mourn. In some instances, music may have the ability to break through barriers

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It is difficult for anyone to find the time to prepare fresh, healthy meals, let alone a caregiver.  Yet, nutrition is so important for both the caregiver and the person they are caring for.  It is easy, and tempting, to rely on fast food, take out and frozen meals.  However the majority of these foods are sorely lacking in nutrients

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Terra Vista is a technology driven Alzheimer’s assisted living community and is excited to announce the kick off of “Vista Social”, our new web based community and family engagement application.  Teaming up with world renowned, CareMerge, an innovative and tech savvy organization who is paving the way to enhance communication within the care community, Vista Social is one more example

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It looks as if winter is behind us as the days grow warmer and spring flowers can be seen poking through the dead leaves and brown grass.  This is the time when avid gardeners start planning their projects and getting everything in shape for the season.  Many of us look at these masters of the soil and envy their diligence

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Sundowning is a term given to those with Alzheimer’s who exhibit an increase in agitation and restlessness in the afternoon.  It has something to do with our circadian rhythm and everything to do with increased confusion.  My responsibility after school was to start the dinner that my mother had usually prepared in advance.  In addition, I was to set the

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Written by: Nancy McCaffrey,  Director of Operations, Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace & Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Ambassador I’m often asked how I got involved with Alzheimer’s care, both professionally and politically.  The reason is personal.  My Grandmother developed dementia when I was still a teenager.  My mother, her only child, was in her 40’s.  Our family lived on the East

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One of the most frustrating issues a dementia caregiver faces is the word “no”.   It seems to be the go-to answer for those with Alzheimer’s; “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” No.  “Are you hungry?” No.  “Let’s get you a shower?” No.   Even the most persistent caregiver can be worn down by the constant negative responses.

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What is your favorite season? Unless you are an avid skier or live in a temperate climate, winter probably wasn’t your first choice…or second. For those of us living in the Midwest, winter has a bad reputation, and rightfully so. It always seems to outstay its welcome, by weeks or some years, even months. The running joke in Chicago is

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A huge part of the holiday season is giving gifts.  Whether you like to give or receive, or both, it is an integral part of most celebrations regardless of beliefs.  Many of us struggle each year to find the “perfect” gifts for those in our lives.  If you have a loved one with dementia, then that perfect gift might be

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