Sunrise Senior Living Provides Support And Tips For Spending The Holidays With Loved Ones Living With Memory Loss

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Alzheimer's Awareness Month and the holiday season, Sunrise Senior Living (NYSE: SRZ) is offering tips and support groups to help families as they care for the growing number of seniors with memory loss.

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"The holidays can be a stressful time for any family and celebrating with a loved one with memory loss adds unique challenges," said Rita Altman, vice president of Memory Care and Program Services at Sunrise. "The holidays are meant for celebrating together, so it is important to help those with memory loss feel that they are a part of your celebration. By following these simple tips, you can include your loved ones in more meaningful ways."

With more than 30 years of experience providing care for those living with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Sunrise provides the following tips to help families make this holiday season more memorable:

• PREPARE: Remind family and friends they should "live in the moment" with the person and accept that they may not be able to remember. Develop ways to communicate with your loved one; however, try to avoid saying "don't you remember when..."
• ADAPT: Individuals with memory loss often feel overwhelmed. Try simplifying a table setting, turning down music or asking people to speak clearly and a little more slowly to ease anxiety.
• ENGAGE SENSES: Scents and memories are often closely linked. Recreate a favorite dish or have your loved one help you make it. Play their favorite holiday music, sing with them, or dance together. Don't forget to incorporate your pets! 
• GET SUPPORT: Taking a break from caregiving can be a positive step for both you and your loved one. Turn to a local Sunrise community throughout the year for support groups for family members and short-term stays for loved ones.

Through November 17, Sunrise Senior Living communities will be hosting Resources to Remember: A Sunrise Support Group events aimed at educating and assisting those who care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, which the public is invited to attend. Click here to find a nearby community for more information on Sunrise's memory care services and details on ongoing events.

"Sunrise offers advice, insight and encouragement to families through community support groups for those living within and outside Sunrise communities," said Nancy King, senior vice president of Resident Care at Sunrise. "Memory loss affects everyone differently, and at Sunrise, we focus on understanding each individual senior as we aim to provide a safe, familiar, yet stimulating environment for them, as well as peace of mind for their loved one."

For more information about Sunrise's leading approach to memory care, visit the memory care resources section of Sunrise's website.

About Sunrise Senior Living
Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based company, employs approximately 31,600 people. As of September 30, 2012, Sunrise operated 303 communities located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a unit capacity of approximately 29,400 units. Sunrise offers a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. Sunrise's senior living services are delivered by staff trained to encourage the independence, preserve the dignity, enable freedom of choice and protect the privacy of residents. To learn more about Sunrise, please visit http://www.sunriseseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Sunrise Senior Living