What is Sundowning? How to Recognize and Manage Symptoms
When evening arrives, you may notice a change in your loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The calm of the afternoon gives way to confusion, restlessness, or worry. This shift is called sundowning, sometimes referred to as “sundowner’s syndrome.” If you’ve witnessed it, you know how unsettling it can be for everyone involved, […]
How to Celebrate Easter with a Parent in Memory Care
Easter often evokes vivid memories of Sunday bests, egg hunts in the backyard, and the warmth of family gatherings. For families with a loved one residing in a memory care community, holidays can sometimes feel bittersweet as traditions change. However, change doesn’t mean the end of celebration. In fact, spending Easter in memory care offers […]
A Month to Remember – Why Alzheimer’s Awareness Matters
Every November, communities nationwide unite for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – a season not of fear, but of understanding and connection. As the National Institute for Dementia Education (2019) reminds us through its Educational Seminar / Dementia Training, awareness is more than information; it’s the first act of compassionate care. Recognizing subtle cognitive shifts early can […]
Sweet but Scary – How Halloween Sugar Haunts the Brain
Halloween brings excitement, nostalgia, and a flood of candy bowls across America. Yet, behind this playful tradition lies a very real concern for our brains. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diets high in added sugars have been linked to decreased learning ability, impaired memory, and slower cognitive processing (National Institutes of Health, […]
Eating With Purpose – How Food Choices Support Brain Health
Food fuels both body and brain, which is why Nutritional Wellness is the fourth pillar of our SPIN® model. At CERTUS, we design menus that go beyond nutrition to actively support cognitive function, emotional health, and social engagement. Brain-healthy ingredients – leafy greens, colorful vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, nuts, berries, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric – […]
Staying Curious – How Mental Engagement Supports Quality of Life
At CERTUS, we believe that curiosity is fuel for the brain. Intellectual Wellness, another pillar in our SPIN® model, plays a crucial role in keeping residents engaged, confident, and cognitively strong. The brain thrives on challenge. Research shows that mental engagement promotes cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to adapt, rewire, and resist the effects […]
Moving with Purpose – How Daily Engagement Boosts Brain Health
Movement isn’t just about muscles – it’s also about the mind. Physical engagement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive health. That’s why Physical Wellness is a core pillar in CERTUS’s SPIN® model. Our signature Fit Moments® program encourages residents to take part in short bursts of purposeful engagement […]
Staying Connected – Why Social Engagement Matters in Memory Care
At CERTUS Premier Memory Care, we know that relationships don’t just add joy to life—they actively support brain health, emotional stability, and even physical well-being. That’s why Social Wellness is the first pillar in our SPIN® model, guiding how we provide care every day. For individuals living with dementia, remaining socially engaged is vital to maintaining […]
Conducting Photo-based Reminiscent Therapy Session
As published in February of 2022 in the “Cognitive Benefits of Photo Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia Patients” research study, Photo Reminiscence Therapy (pRT) can improve the quality of life for those living with dementia or related forms of memory impairment. Conducted by a coalition of organizations, including the National Institute for Dementia Education, the CERTUS Institute, Vivid-Pix, Tellegacy, and achi, the […]
Celebrating Father’s Day When Dad Has Dementia
Celebrating holidays during a pandemic is not easy for anyone, much less when dad has dementia. You may be left wondering how to celebrate in a meaningful way. You are not alone. About 15.7 million family caregivers care for someone who has dementia. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.] Father’s Day is a […]