Alzheimer's disease gradually robs people of the memories that remind 
them of who they are, where they've been, and what they've done. By gathering and preserving memories, we can bring important events and experiences from the past into the present.
We can be the link to each one's life history.
Stories help affirm all the positive things a person has done in life and can still do. They remind us of who the individual was before Alzheimer's disease.
Families are encouraged to gather memories by reminiscing and by interviewing neighbors, old friends and relatives. Collected stories can be preserved in a journal, scrapbook, or video/audio recording.
Staff use personal history information to make meaningful connections and trigger happy memories for residents. In some locations, a memory book is created for each one using copies of important photos. Others ask family members to bring mementos to place in a special "treasure box."
Here's what some of them are saying about CountryHouse Residences:
"The pictures you sent mean so much to me and I would never have had them had it not been for you!! You people are awesome and I am so happy to see my Dad finally happy. How can we ever thank you for all you do. You are such special people!"
Daughter, Grand Island, NE
"You just have to visit to feel the difference. It's beautiful and secure, yet so comfortable. Everything is included in one monthly rate, and we were surprised to find it's less expensive than a nursing home."
Daughter, Dickinson, ND
"Thank you so much for the family coffee. It is wonderful to meet fellow family members and not feel so alone in dealing with aged parents who have immense health challenges. I am so grateful that my Mom is a resident at CountryHouse. What a beautiful place to live!"
Daughter, Lincoln, NE
"I just wanted to give you and your staff another round of applause. I know you were busy with a new friend moving in this morning, but I wish you could have seen my kids all gathered around Tillie reading. How beautiful! She was doing what she loves, interacting with people and actually living life. Thanks for another fun year of visits with your folks!"
Teacher, CH Preschool Partnership Program
Grand Island, NE
“We couldn't have found a better place for dad than CountryHouse. The staff really knows how to treat people with Alzheimer's, and the special activities help him feel calm and happy.”
Daughter, Grand Island, NE
"Thanks for an absolutely charming day! You did a great job ordering up some fine weather for a picnic and the food was excellent, but the camaraderie among the staff, families and residents was the real memory maker. I wasn't the only person touched to tears, watching their loved one smiling from ear to ear, feeling the music, loving and living in the moment. We thank you for all you do... I know it has to be a tremendous challenge sometimes, but you bring such happiness to our Mom -- and peace of mind to us!"
Daughter, Lincoln, NE
"I cried when I saw those pictures of Mom. Thanks for sending them and thanks to all of you for keeping her active. Boy, am I glad she is with you. There could not be a better place, I know.
I changed jobs and am working with neurosurgeons. As we studied intricate details of the brain last week I found it interesting to put Mom's cognitive decline into areas of the brain. From a perspective of medicine, this disease is fascinating. But from the perspective of the heart, it takes nurses and caregivers such as there are at CountryHouse to help those who have this disease feel respected and keep their self dignity.
Thank you so much for taking care of my mom."
Daughter, Grand Island, NE
“I can't tell you how much it's meant to me to know that my wife is safe and getting the best of care.”
Husband, Cumberland, MD
"My Dad and I truly enjoyed the delicious lunch we had with Mom, and the birthday cake was a bonus! The memory of that warm, loving, nurturing experience will replace some of my sad memories of this past year. I feel extremely blessed that she is surrounded by people who provide such loving care and display such genuine concern for her well being. Your grace, spirit and tremendous devotion are inspiring and touch me deeply."
Daughter, Lincoln, NE
"I would like to know what you did with my real Mother, and what kind of medicine are you giving her because I would like some too! My goodness, I can't believe how happy she is in these pictures. Thank you for a great laugh, and thank you all for making CountryHouse such a warm, loving and comfortable place for her to be. What a gift you are to Alzheimer's folks and their families."
Daughter, Grand Island, NE
"My Special Place is CountryHouse because my grandma used to live there until she died. We were there every day to see her, even on soccer days. She moved to CountryHouse because she had Alzheimer's. Whenever I would walk in I could smell the delicious food they are cooking in the kitchen. The people who work at CountryHouse are super nice. It is the best place to be when you are sad or not happy because they will cheer you up."
5th Grader, Lincoln, NE
from a school writing assignment, "My Special Place"
"We are so impressed with the wonderful job you all do of keeping us informed as to what is going on in the daily life of our mother. I so appreciate your frequent communications, calendars, pictures, etc. I can't tell you how thankful we are that Mom is there."
Son, Grand Island, NE
