Spring has a way of opening things up: more light, more movement, more possibility. For those of us in the dementia care world, it's also a natural time to look at what's working and ask where we can do more.
This month, we're excited to share something we've been building toward for a while: the launch of Full Bloom's Live-In Memory Care program. For families navigating the question of "what comes next," we hope it opens a door that wasn't previously there.
This month's Bloom Bulletin is centered on what it means to truly see the person living with dementia, not just their diagnosis. Our aim is the same as always: practical support and deeper understanding, together.
In this issue, you'll find:
- Introducing Live-In Memory Care
A new offering from Full Bloom for families who need consistent, around-the-clock support without leaving home, built on the same person-centered approach that has always guided our care. - MCP Team of the Quarter
This quarter, we're proud to recognize Roleen and Sierra, a dedicated overnight care team whose skill, steadiness, and commitment to their client exemplify everything Full Bloom stands for. - What We're Watching: Walk With Me
When graphic designer Charlie Hess was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at 57, his wife started filming, and Walk With Me is the honest, life-affirming documentary that followed. - What "I Want to Go Home" Often Means in Dementia Care
When a person living with dementia says "I want to go home," they're often expressing an emotional need, not asking for directions. Learn how caregivers can respond in ways that actually calm and ground the person they're caring for.
We hope this issue gives you something useful to carry into the season ahead, and as always, we're grateful to be doing this work alongside you.
Jennifer Muskat
Co-Founder & Chief Client Officer, Full Bloom Memory Care
Introducing Live-In Memory Care
Live-In Memory Care is a natural extension of everything Full Bloom was built to offer: calm consistency, a trusted team, and a home life that genuinely supports your client or loved one's wellbeing.
Our Live-In model pairs one client with a two-person Memory Care Partner (MCP) team. Each MCP resides in the home for a set block of days, then smoothly hands off to their counterpart—delivering steadiness without the revolving door of different faces.
Care is woven into ordinary moments: routine, meals, movement, rest, and moments of joy that make each day feel like their day.
A familiar MCP is present day and night,* guiding transitions and easing confusion.
With just two primary MCPs, trust grows, preferences are remembered and the routine of home stays intact.
*Live-In includes a protected sleep period for the MCP. For clients with frequent night needs, we also offer awake-overnight coverage.
MCP Team of the Quarter
MCP Roleen
MCP Sierra
Roleen and Sierra
This quarter, we are proud to recognize Roleen and Sierra as our MCP Team of the Quarter for their creative, compassionate, and highly collaborative approach to overnight care.
Supporting a client who is fiercely independent and initially resistant to having caregivers in the home, Roleen and Sierra developed a seamless, thoughtful care strategy: coordinating closely with the daytime provider, the family, and the Full Bloom office to ensure consistency, reduce resistance, and promote better sleep and safety.
Their reliability, ingenuity, and genuine love for their client make them a shining example of what exceptional teamwork looks like in action.
March Community Events
At Full Bloom, we believe that dementia care is about more than just support groups and resources: it's about nurturing the whole person and their circle of care. That's why we highlight not only memory-focused programs, but also wellness opportunities that encourage movement, connection, and joy for caregivers, families, and the broader community.
Indoor Walking Club
Weekly on Thursdays (3/5, 3/12, 3/19 & 3/26), 9:00am - 10:00am
Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Forward Focus Concierge Medicine continues their weekly Indoor Walking Club every Thursday in March offering older adults a safe, social way to stay active indoors at Northbrook Court, supporting mobility, routine, and connection during the winter months.
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Fremont Public Library, 1170 N Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
This session explores how Alzheimer's affects the brain, how it differs from dementia, the stages and risk factors, current research and treatment options for certain symptoms, and supportive resources from the Alzheimer's Association.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Seminar
Thursday, March 5th, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Renaissance Chicago North Shore, 933 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, IL 60062
The one-day course is essential for both healthcare professionals and caregivers. This course covers alternative therapies and approaches to care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Alzheimer's disease and Dementia Care Seminar is required for those pursuing certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and who qualify for Certified Dementia Practitioner certification.
Memory Café at Dickinson Hall
Tuesday, March 17th, 10:00am - 11:30am
Dickinson Hall, 100 E Old Mill Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
A welcoming space for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers to connect and enjoy activities together. This month's theme: Classic Sing-Along Songs. Join musical duo Graham and Lauren Henderson for an hour long sing-along of classic pop, rock, and show tunes.
To register, call 847-810-4610 or email reference@lakeforestlibrary.org
Full Bloom's Family Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, March 18th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Full Bloom Memory Care, 222 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Join us in a safe, welcoming space where caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's or other dementias can find emotional support, practical tips for daily care and communication, expert guidance, helpful resources, and meaningful connection with others who truly understand the journey.
Free to attend. Refreshments provided. Held at our Lake Forest office.
What We're Watching
Walk With Me
When Charlie Hess was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at 57, his wife picked up a camera. Walk With Me follows Charlie over three years not as a patient defined by his diagnosis, but as an artist, adventurer, and partner navigating an uncertain future alongside leading researchers, drug trials, and the people who love him. It's a film about the life that's still happening, even as cognitive decline progresses.
Visit the movie's website for more information and showtimes.
Caregiver Insights
What "I Want to Go Home" Often Means in Dementia Care
"I want to go home" is one of the most common (and most misunderstood) things a person with dementia can say. Our latest blog breaks down what's really happening in the brain, why correcting them often backfires, and what to say instead.
Learn more about our unique approach to in-home memory care, or call us at 847-407-1450 to see how we can help.
