Dr. Robert Stern, Associate Professor of  Neurology and Co-Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical and Research Program at BU ADC, presented the award, saying that he viewed, “SLR as one of the most innovative and expert senior living and Alzheimer’s care organizations in the country.” SLR’s innovative focus on Alzheimer’s care is research-based. Affiliations with nationally recognized academic programs such as the BU ADC inform the cutting edge programs that residents receive.

• Focus on remaining skills and abilities to provide a role for the person with AD in holiday plans and preparations. For example, if your family traditions include cookie baking, have the person with AD roll the dough or decorate the cookies. Despite losing the ability to follow a recipe in its entirety, the individual remains actively involved in the tradition.
• Plan for successful visits and family gatherings by taking into account the number of people present, time of day, and noise level. A very large gathering may be too stimulating and confusing for someone with AD. Also, a morning or early afternoon party may be better than evening, which can be a more difficult time of day.
• If gift giving is a part of your holiday traditions, provide gifts for the person with AD that are based on current interests and abilities, hand lotion, a simple family photo album, music, or a magazine subscription can be good choices. Also, remember that the individual with AD may want to give gifts. Offer assistance with this.
• For someone with AD living in an assisted living community, there are additional opportunities to celebrate. Family members and friends can attend holiday activities and parties as well as bringing some of their own family traditions to the community. When choosing whether or not to bring a relative with AD home for celebrations, consult community staff about daily routines and needs. Also consider a special family gathering at the community right before or after the holiday depending on your own schedule and needs.

Continued involvement in traditions can provide a feeling of belonging, accomplishment, and enjoyment for the individual with AD. The familiar sights, smells and sounds of the season can provide time for reminiscing with family and friends, linking past and present.

Other Resources:
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/holidayhints.htm
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_holidays.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/HQ00213

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We call them “Memory Support Neighborhoods” because we want to clearly communicate our emphasis on the word “support” – support for seniors and their families who cope with this disease daily. Our communities are designed to provide the very latest in treatment services to our residents, which supports them in maintaining their existing life skills and abilities for as long as possible. We go above and beyond to extend our support to spouses, adult children, grandchildren and other family members who are affected by their loved one’s disease.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is progressive. It is difficult for everyone involved. BUT there is new research; there are new treatment methods; there is new understanding; and there is more education and support now than ever before.

Over the coming weeks and months, this space will be filled with insights, links to terrific web sites, tips for communicating effectively with your loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, and specific information about Senior Living Residences’ cutting edge treatments for residents in our assisted living communities. You will hear from experts within Senior Living Residences who manage our Memory Support Neighborhoods, as well as other recognized experts in the field of Alzheimer’s research and care. Dr. Robert Stern of Boston University’s Alzheimer Disease Center will be a regular contributor.

We also want to use this space to listen — we want to hear your story and understand how this disease affects you. We want your personal insights and advice for other families coping with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

It is my hope that this blog will extend the support we provide to families and their loved ones who reside in our assisted living communities in eastern Massachusetts to many, many others.

Tadd Clelland, Executive Vice President, Senior Living Residences

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