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:
"Thank you to each and every one of you for your part in making this year's family picnic such a lovely event. Your thoughtfulness was evident in the faces of the residents who looked beautiful, happy and excited to "have the family over"! Mother certainly was in her element. She ate an amazing plate of food and enjoyed every minute of it, as did we. I wanted you to know that all the care you take with the details was noticed and appreciated."
Daughter, Davenport, IA
"You give your time, you give your hands, but most of all you give your heart. Thank you for all you do for Mom. We couldn't have asked for more caring people to surround her. You are the best. Thank you!"
Davenport, IA
"Thank you so much Nicole. 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 after two months. How can we ever thank you for all you do. You are such special people!"
Daughter, Grand Island, 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
"The workshop you hosted for families was inspiring and the Mother's Day luncheon was fabulous. But the day-to-day care you give to Mom is beyond words. Thanks so much."
Daughter, Davenport, IA
“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 keep my dad calm. He's part of a small group, so he gets the attention he needs.”
Daughter, Grand Island, NE
"I cried when I saw those pictures of Mom. Thanks for sending them and thanks to all of you for keeping her active. Yes, please let her read to the kids. You most certainly have my permission. Anything to keep her stimulated. 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
"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
"At CountryHouse, mom has a real home, not just a room. My mother enjoys interacting with the other residents. We feel so lucky to have found a place that feels more like a family than an institution."
Son, Davenport, IA
