Maintaining a Culture of Person-Directed Care at the recent Pioneer Network Conference


Maintaining a Culture of Person-Directed Care at the 2022 Pioneer Network Conference Jeanne Heid-Grubman, CMSS’ Corporate Director of Memory Care, recently attended the ‘Pioneering a New Culture of Aging 2022 […]
Lorenzo’s House supports families whose loved ones have Alzheimer’s


The Lorenzo’s House Foundation is built around helping others who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, to make sure families know they’re not alone in the fight. Tragedy often strikes when we least expect […]
Sounds of Healing Series: Incorporating Similar Therapeutic Music Practices into Your Holiday Celebrations


For the last few months, we’ve been discussing the benefits of therapeutic music and Chicago Methodist Senior Services’ (CMSS) Sounds of Healing program for older adults. Now, with the holiday […]
Reimagining Brain Health Care in the U.S.


Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in 1906. Over 110 years later, researchers, scientists, caregivers and advocates are still looking for ways to combat it. A new report may have found a […]
Sounds of Healing Series: How Playing Music Impacts Memory and Mood for Older Adults


Have you ever strummed a guitar, played a piano or sang a melody? Most people have. But you may not have realized playing music was changing your brain and impacting […]
Urban Sensory Garden Finds its Roots at CMSS


A garden can be transformative for your mood: they’re tranquil, therapeutic, and can often feel like an outdoor home. In metropolitan areas, however, gardens can be few and far between. […]
Sounds of Healing Series: Does Music Therapy Work?


When people think of healing, they often think of visiting a doctor and taking a prescribed medication. But healing doesn’t always come from a routine appointment at the doctor — […]
Chicago Musicians Build Relationships with Older Adults


By Henri Harps Music has an undeniable impact on the well-being of older adults, and even has therapeutic benefits for people with memory loss. One of my primary goals as […]
Q&A: CMSS’ Partnership with the Civic Fellows of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra


At the annual Spring Benefit Brunch in April, Chicago Methodist Senior Service (CMSS) debuted its brand new therapeutic music and wellness program, Sounds of Healing. This innovative program will incorporate […]
Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need To Know


The early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can look a little different for everyone, and they often include more than memory loss. When you can recognize these symptoms, you […]
Three Benefits of Art Therapy for Seniors


Have you ever found comfort in painting a picture, creating pottery or even discussing an artist’s work you enjoy? Art therapy is a creative form of therapy for older adults […]
How Advanced Memory Care Can Help Your Loved One


Most memory care options are licensed as assisted living communities, meaning people who live there typically have mid-stage memory loss. An advanced memory care community provides more specialized support. This […]
Memory Care Services: Three Things To Look For


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When Memory Care is Needed: What to Look For


When Memory Care Is Needed… What to Look For When someone you love is living with memory loss, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly when memory care is needed. […]
Memory Loss Therapy: Helping People Through Art Therapy


Art therapy can be very beneficial for older adults who have memory loss or difficulties communicating. Memory loss therapy, led by an art therapist, can include drawing, painting, sculpture or […]
Alzheimer’s Prevention and Risk Factors


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What Is Memory Care?


When memory loss becomes a part of your life, you deserve care that’s about you, not just your diagnosis. What is memory care? It’s care tailored to the unique needs […]
Changing the Stigmas Around Memory Loss


People living with memory loss often encounter challenges when it comes to caregiving and health concerns, but facing stigmas around memory loss shouldn’t be one of them. Unfortunately, negative labels […]
Caregivers: Ways to Engage Your Loved Ones in Fun Activities


In addition to the games and craft projects we’ve been discussing, there are many other activities that you can enjoy with your older loved ones. Whether your loved one is dealing with dementia or a physical illness, many of these activities can be adapted to fit their needs and abilities.
Four Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness to Watch for in Older Adults
Mental illness is a common, though often ignored, malady in older adults. The World Health Organization found that, as of 2013, approximately 15% of adults over the age of 60 […]
A Day in the Life of a Caregiver
Have you ever wondered what a day as a caregiver looks like? Whether a live-in, paid caregiver or a family member, it’s hard to truly depict a caregiver’s day as […]
Deodorant’s Link to Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Dementia


Over the past few years, rumors have circulated linking aluminum in deodorant and antiperspirants to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and dementia. While studies have shown there is no scientific evidence to […]
Can Sleep Deprivation Cause Alzheimers


(AP photo) The physical and psychological benefits of getting a good night’s sleep have been well documented. Regular sleep has been shown to help fight stress, premature aging, weight gain, […]
Working Memory. Memory Working.
As we age, or for those of us who develop degenerative brain diseases, keeping more than a couple things in our minds at the same time can be problematic. Don’t get too discouraged just yet, because working memory is something that can be improved with effort.
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.