Gratitude in Every Moment – Celebrating the Holidays with Loved Ones
The holidays invite togetherness – a season of warmth, stories, and gratitude. For families living with dementia, these moments can be both joyful and delicate. With mindful planning, celebration can remain calm, inclusive, and deeply meaningful. The Alzheimer’s Association (2023) encourages families to simplify gatherings – soft lighting, familiar scents, gentle music, and smaller groups […]
Caring for the Caregiver – Finding Strength in Shared Support
Behind every person living with dementia is someone walking beside them—offering patience, structure, and unwavering love. But even the most devoted caregivers need care themselves. The AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving (2025) report that nearly two-thirds of dementia caregivers experience moderate or high emotional stress, and almost half face physical strain. Balancing family, work, […]
Trick, Treat, and Reminisce – Using Photos to Anchor the Season
Sometimes, the sweetest Halloween moments aren’t about candy – they’re about connection. For those living with dementia, revisiting photographs from past holidays can help spark joy and orientation through Photo-Based Reminiscence Therapy (PRT). This technique encourages individuals to look at familiar images while discussing memories connected to them. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found […]
When Costumes Confuse – Supporting Loved Ones with Dementia During Halloween
For many, Halloween is a season of laughter and imagination. But for individuals living with dementia, flashing lights, eerie sounds, and masked faces can cause significant distress. Certain types of dementia – particularly Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s-related dementia – can make a person more prone to visual hallucinations or misperceptions. The Lewy Body Dementia […]
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 […]
Designing with Light – Making Dementia-Friendly Spaces at Home
Good lighting does more than brighten a room – it can improve safety, reduce confusion, and support brain health. For seniors, especially those living with dementia, lighting design plays an important role in maintaining a sense of security and well-being. As people age, their eyes require more light to see clearly. Shadows, glare, or poor […]
Lighting the Way – How Natural Light Aligns Our Inner Clock
As the summer sun stretches across longer days, we receive more than just warmth—we receive a natural tool for improving health: sunlight. Our bodies operate on a 24-hour internal clock called the circadian rhythm, which influences everything from sleep and appetite to mood and mental clarity. For older adults and people living with dementia, this […]
Light as Therapy – Embracing the Healing Power of the Sun
Sunlight is more than brightness – it’s therapy. For individuals living with dementia, natural light supports sleep, stabilizes mood, and fosters daily engagement. Let June be a month where caregivers intentionally use light not just to brighten rooms, but to lift spirits and bring rhythm back into life. Fact: Sunlight exposure has been linked to […]
Let the Light In – Resetting the Dementia Clock
June brings the perfect reminder that light is life. For those living with dementia, exposure to morning sunlight can serve as a gentle reset button for the body’s internal clock. Just like the seasons, our brains respond to environmental cues—and light is one of the most powerful. Encourage loved ones to start their day with […]