CARES Memory Care Training for Families
CMSS is thrilled to offer our community complimentary access to CARES® Dementia Training for families. This program will help you reduce stress and feel confident in caring for your loved one.
When Grandparents Should Stay Away from the Grandkids
Experiencing shingles? If you’re around the grandchildren, they could get chicken pox! Learn more about prevention measures to protect your loved ones now.
In Celebration of Grandparents Day
National Grandparents Day honors the love only grandparents can provide. Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. In celebration of #GrandparentsDay, we would like to recognize one of our very own residents at Wesley Place, Mary Jo Pride. Her granddaughter, Isabelle was kind enough to sit down and share some very special and personal […]
How Older Adults Can Celebrate the Holiday Season
‘Tis the season where snow falls, holiday lights go up and friends and family fret over gifts for each other. The winter is here and, while this year is going to look a bit different than previous years, there’s no shortage of fun holiday activities for older adults. At Chicago Methodist Senior Services, we strongly […]
How Older Adults Can Stay Connected with Friends and Family During Social Distancing
Illinois entered Phase 4 of J.B. Pritzker’s plan to reopen the state a few weeks ago, but many people are, and should be, still practicing social distancing with friends and family. Everyone misses larger gatherings such as grandkids’ weddings, senior community events and trips to museums and art galleries. However, it’s a good idea for […]
What To Do If You Suspect Your Older Loved One Is Being Abused
It’s something no one wants to see happen — abuse of their older loved one. Yet millions of older adults face abuse every year from family members, friends or trusted caregivers. Oftentimes, signs of elder abuse can be hard to spot. Besides physical harm, older adults can be subject to other forms of abuse, including […]
How to Plan Holiday Meals for Older Adults With Dietary Restrictions
This holiday season, what food are you most looking forward to? Maybe a tender ham, a sweet slice of pie with ice cream, or even a cocktail or two? If this sounds similar to the menu for your holiday meals, you aren’t alone. Unfortunately, for many older adults who are on doctor’s orders to follow […]
Help Your Older Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays
At this time of year, many of us gather with family and friends to to take part in holiday traditions. Although it is a joyful time, it can also be difficult one for many older adults, especially those who have recently lost loved ones and those who are no longer able to travel easily. Even […]
Embracing the Holiday Season After a Loss
The holiday season can be an especially tough time for those who have lost a loved one. Though there is no simple way to banish grief, nor is there one right way to deal with the difficult emotions you likely feel, there are a number of ways to make the holiday season a bit easier for yourself.
Caregiving Spotlight: What It’s Like Looking After an Ill Parent or Spouse
Providing care for an ill parent or spouse is something that we often don’t ever plan for. It’s easy to assume that you’ll never be the caregiver for a loved one in your life. However, recent research by University of Rhode Island’s Schmidt Labor Research Center, found that “1 in 3 workers currently face elder […]
Rainy Day Activity: Track Your Family Tree
If you’ve ever wanted to track your family history, you’ve likely been overwhelmed by the number of resources available to you. A quick Google search presents an overwhelming number of websites that offer the ability to trace your lineage. How do you even figure out where to start? Gathering Identifying Information Before you start digging […]
10 Ways to Spend Time with Grandparents and Older Adults This Summer
Are you looking for ways to enjoy the summer with your grandparent, parent or other older adult in your life? Here are 10 things to do this summer that you’ll both love.
How to Talk to your Parents About Their End of Life Plans
For many people, discussing end of life plans can be uncomfortable and even scary. However, adopting a sense of openness today creates certainty and ensures that when the time comes, you can take the proper steps to carry out the intent and wishes of your loved ones. These conversations should encompass the preparation of advance […]
Five Ways to Help Those with Memory Problems Cope During the Holidays
The excitement of the holiday season can become stressful for anyone: from shopping for gifts and cooking lavish meals, to organizing get togethers and traveling, it’s easy to become overwhelmed during the holiday season. For those with memory problems, the holidays can be difficult to keep up with. If you’ll be spending time with a […]
Our Favorite Online Resources for Family Caregivers
Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, alone, and stressed as they face the great responsibility of taking care of their loved one. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we wanted to share our favorite resources to help the compassionate people who step into the family caregiver role every day. Elderwerks Elderwerks serves as a […]
Coping with the Death of a Parent
Death. It doesn’t matter how you choose to perceive it, the bottom line is that experiencing and dealing with it is one of the most difficult things any of us will ever do.
Handling Dementia with Teenagers at Home
Surviving the teenage years of children can be hard enough on a parent; throw in a spouse with dementia and you’ve got yourself a pot of boiling stress and anxiety for a caregiver.
Seeing Smiles Across the Miles
The face-to-face conversation through the computer with my Grandma continues over the marvels of technology for a few minutes and then moves on to her latest hair appointment.
Stepping into the Leadership Role
Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia involve a progressive loss of one’s memory, thinking, language, and self-care skills. Someone with dementia eventually loses the capacity to be completely independent, and others must step up to provide assistance. A special brand of leadership is called for. At least one person must assume overall authority for […]
Be Sure to Check on Your Aging Relatives
Years ago my favorite great-aunt died. She and her husband never had kids of their own but bestowed their love upon a dozen or so nieces and nephews. They were a fun couple and a visit to their house, located on a golf course, was always filled with fun and mystery. There was a small […]