The Legacy: Memory Support at Evergreen

Memory loss is something we all experience from time to time. A certain degree of decline in cognitive thinking skills is normal for many people as we age. However, mild cognitive impairment does not affect a person’s ability to function or interact socially.

A more serious concern is when the memory loss is a result of Alzheimer’s disease or other related-memory disorders. Misplacing the TV remote and not knowing what a remote is or does are two very different things.

In 2017, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. A whopping 5.3 million of those people are 65 or older. It is a sad fact that the number of Americans suffering from this disease will rise to 5.7 million by 2020.

When you see a loved one begin to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related functions, it can be overwhelming and scary. The Legacy: Memory Support at Evergreen Senior Living communities is specifically designed to provide care and support. Our services include the afflicted person and their family.

The Legacy is a secure environment for persons experiencing memory disorders. With locations in Chillicothe, Orland Park and Decatur, The Legacy provide specialized care that includes management of medications, personal assistance and 24-hour nursing care.

The Legacy practices a trademarked program called “Life Unrehearsed”, exclusively designed by Evergreen for our residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diagnoses. The “Life Unrehearsed” philosophy promotes positive communication and approaches for successful interactions.

If you are concerned about a loved one and think they may be showing symptoms of memory loss, make an appointment with their doctor. There are a number of tests available to determine if the memory loss is a disorder like Alzheimer’s, related dementia or something else. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to talk with your healthcare provider.

• Asking the same question over and over
• Forgetting simple tasks that are normally familiar
• Getting lost in familiar areas or locations
• Misplacing items in odd locations
• Forgetting common words or mixing up their meanings

There are some reversible causes of memory loss that could be the culprit for their behavior. Possible causes include:

• Medications that cause confusion or memory loss
• Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid can wreak havoc
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency: this vitamin is necessary for healthy red blood cells and nerve cells. Memory loss can occur if this is not in balance
• Emotional disorders: stress or depression can cause memory loss symptoms

We encourage you to reach out to our Wellness Team at Evergreen Senior Living to learn more about memory loss and your options for memory care and support at The Legacy. Please visit our website to contact our Chillicothe, Decatur or Orland Park communities where The Legacy is located.