Memories are what sustain and fulfill our lives. The memory of being thrown in a deep lake before we learned to swim may cause us to feel fear when our skin comes in contact with water. Just as the scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven can fill our being with warmth at the memory of our mother’s floured covered hands buttering these delectable Sunday morning treats.
These snippets of time do more than just make up the years of our lives. They help us remember who we are, where we have been, and where we are going. They make up our dreams and help us dream for tomorrow. They connect us to each other with threads of communication that need no verbal description.
So what happens when a loved one suffers from memory loss? This disease, whether it be Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body or one of the other 70 types of dementia, steals these memories and much, much more.
However, it doesn’t always take every memory. One may still hold that fear of water, while forgetting those Sunday morning breakfasts. They may remember one child, but forget the five others that they love just as much. This poem from an Alzheimer’s Patient helps keep this thought in mind.
Unfortunately, it is not just the memory of our loved one that changes, but those of everyone involved in their care. It may start with the loss of personal memories, for instance perhaps Dad has told the story of his first car many times, but now he looks to you, his caregiver, to fill in the information. Do you know the color? Do you know the make and model? How many of us take the time to truly remember our loved ones memories or even our own for that matter?
In addition, this disease causes many caregivers to begin the grieving process long before it is needed. This is a very common occurrence since dementia takes away the future dreams that we had for our loved one. Those of them playing catch with their grandsons or dancing at their 50th wedding anniversary. With this disease the future is unknown and seemingly deplete of personally recalled memories.
Often caregivers get so wrapped up in the care they are providing that they stop looking for the memories they are or could be making. True Grandpa can’t play catch, but we could get Grandpa’s baseball glove out and let grandson play with it, while sitting next to Grandpa and learning what position Grandpa played, his favorite team etc…
Yes, this memory may not be captured by Grandpa, but it will be by his Grandson and by you. Odds are the next time you feel leather against your skin or hear the crack of a bat your memory will transport you back to this moment.
The reality is these memories are what will sustain caregivers throughout the disease process. The moments of laughter and tears will make the gradual and final loss not so great. Yes, memories are lost due to the disease of dementia, but if handled and made correctly they can live on through you and everyone involved in their care.
My father has been here only a little over 2 months. The positive change in him has been DRAMATIC! I would HIGHLY recommend Azura........ I would give it 10 stars if they allowed it! This is the premier facility for any family member with cognitive issues! They do treat residents like family, believe it!
Review posted by Stephen Diedrich
The staff at Oak Creek are all fabulous! It takes special people to care for our loved ones. If has been a trying year for all and the staff at oak creek get a shout out for their kindness and compassion they give to my mom and the others. They have all gone above and beyond to make things seem as normal as possible for my mom! All of the staff have been so helpful and kind! They are all fabulous!!
Review posted by Mary Kubacki
"We want to thank you for the loving special care you took of our mother, Diane. It was truly mom's home and you all became part of our family. Everything was home for her....from the beautiful rooms, large sunny windows all around, good food made with love, fun and personal activities from people who really loved our mom. We would highly recommend your facility to anyone. The staff from the director, to the doctor, to the nurse, to the caregivers and the maintenance man were all extremely helpful, caring, loving and professional. There are not enough words to say how much we appreciate all of you. Your exceptional care, kindness, and love were beyond anything we could have imagined. You were part of our family, and we will miss you." - Gail Sommers and Deborah Guse
Review posted by Gail Sommers & Deborah Guse
Just moved my sister-in-law to Azura Stoughton on February 12th. I feel like I’ve found a little piece of dementia heaven. The staff has gone way beyond my expectations to meet her needs and take time to know her. Anyone who has dementia deserves the TLC they receive at Azura. I’m so impressed.
Review posted by Gail Aaroen
Thank you to the Azura Memory Care team, Sheboygan location for the amazing, loving care they provided my dad. They truly loved and cared for my dad as if he was their own. It is such a warm, loving, family environment I only wish we would have moved my dad there years earlier!
Review posted by Patti Bunch
Review posted by Ron Paxson
I have enjoyed working with patients at Azura Care as a Physical Therapist Assistant. The staff has been very helpful in sharing important information about the patients to make their therapy sessions as productive as possible. They are open to learning techniques to help keep patients safe and improve their ability to perform daily tasks with less assistance. Their interactions with patients show caring and compassion with a focus on the needs of each individual to enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Review posted by Barb Eisenberg
The journey of caregiving for my Aunt started over 4 years ago. It has been a very long difficult journey. It is hard to watch and frustrating to watch a loved one decline, as well as for them to live the decline. My Aunt found her final peace at Azura Memory Care in Sheboygan. It was not only her peace but mine as well. I no longer had to worry about her care as I could see that she was loved by her Azura family. She passed away on June 21 and they knew how important that it was for me to be there, but I also found peace that if I was not there, she was with family that loved her. No words can express the appreciation for the care, compassion and love that they have for all their residents. God has opened many doors through my journey and the doors at Azura were truly a gift from God. This family made a difference in a long journey. I will always have them in my thoughts and prayers. They are where and doing what they are meant to do!