Memory Care Resources | Lutheran Senior Services

Meridian Village Cardboard Boat Race

Cardboard boats sound about as useful as paper hats in the rain. But imagination, teamwork, and upcycling resulted in a lively Sixth Annual Cardboard Boat Race at Meridian Village, a …

Tovertafel Makes Magical Moments in Memory Care

“The ‘magic’ table really is a magical thing,” said John Hirsch, who spent a recent afternoon playing Tovertafel games with his family at Lenoir Woods, a Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) …

Memory Care Art Center Opens at Meramec Bluffs

ABBA’s syncopated rhythms thumped as paint brushes swirled across canvas and wood in the new Assisted Living Memory Care Art Center at Meramec Bluffs, a Lutheran Senior Services Life Plan Community in Ballwin, Missouri. Residents, volunteers, team members, and family members gathered to celebrate the Art Center’s grand opening recently.

Tips for Communicating with an Individual with Alzheimer’s

Communication can be a difficult task for individuals with Alzheimer’s, and it can be frustrating for family and caregivers, as well. Learn how to more effectively communicate no matter what stage they’re in.

Cooking as Ministry: How Lutheran Hillside’s Celebrity Chef Mark Shoopman Touches Lives of All Ages

After many years in the international hotel, restaurant, and private club industries, Chef Shoopman found his true passion in senior living at Lutheran Hillside Village. Here he not only brings joy to residents, but he also gives back to the community in many ways.

Living with the Long Goodbye

“They call it the ‘long-goodbye’ disease,’ but I think that means goodbye is a long way off and there’s a lot of living to do between now and the end,” said Andy Rachelski, husband of Mary Rachelski, who is living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Andy and Mary reside at Meramec Bluffs, a Lutheran Senior Services Life (LSS) Plan Community in Ballwin, Mo.

“I want to give people hope. Don’t stop living just because of a diagnosis,” said Andy.

Memory Care Residents have a Best Friend at Meridian Village

At Meridian Village, a Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) Life Plan Community in Glen Carbon, Illinois, Gayle Hantak, Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator, uses the Best Friends approach with her Memory Care residents. The concept is centered around the idea that people with dementia need a best friend who empathizes with their situation, remains loving and positive, and is dedicated to helping them feel safe, secure, and valued.

How to Move a Parent with Dementia to Assisted Living

When your loved one, whether it’s a parent, an aunt or uncle, or a dear friend, begins showing signs of memory loss, it is difficult for everyone. For a while, a little extra help from family members, friends, or even an in-home service can help an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments. But eventually, around-the-clock care and more opportunities for engagement may be needed.

What is Memory Care Assisted Living and When is It Needed?

Older adults living with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairments can benefit from a living setting that provides the care they need with programming that engages them. Memory care assisted living is a controlled-access, purposeful environment created with the special needs of the residents in mind. Staff cater to those needs, with a focus on the residents’ holistic well-being.

Advice on Transitioning to Assisted Living and Long Term Care

While moving to Assisted Living or Long Term Care is full of change, it’s a positive opportunity for the resident and their family. Laclede Groves’ Director of Health Services, Robin Garnett, shares some advice for families going through this transition based on what she’s learned during her 11 years at Lutheran Senior Services.