As we welcome a new year, January feels like a shared celebration—of connection, purpose, and all that's ahead.
At Full Bloom, we begin 2026 with deep gratitude—for the families who trust us, the referral partners who collaborate so thoughtfully with us, and the Memory Care Partners (MCPs) who show up every day with skill, compassion, and heart. Your partnership makes it possible for people living with dementia to remain safely at home, supported with care that values the whole person.
This month's Bloom Bulletin opens the year by celebrating the people and ideas that shape our work. We're highlighting one of our exceptional MCPs, sharing opportunities for connection and learning in the community, and offering a timely research update that speaks to the evolving science around brain health and prevention.
In this issue, you'll find:
As always, we're honored to walk alongside you in the year ahead. Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and meaningful start to 2026.
Jennifer Muskat
Co-Founder & Chief Client Officer, Full Bloom Memory Care
Naya
Our wonderful MCP, Naya, has been a steady, trusted presence for one of our clients—from the client's first tentative days of accepting help at home to a successful transition into memory care. Naya supported her client's adjustment to a new environment by encouraging engagement, facilitating meaningful outings to gardens, museums, and restaurants, and providing the consistent presence that brings reassurance, calm, and ease. Through patience and creativity, Naya builds trust, notices subtle changes, and brings dignity and continuity to each day of her client's journey.
Thursday, January 8th, 9:00am - 10:00am
Park Place Elmhurst, 1050 S Euclid Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Park Place Elmhurst's support group offers families and caregivers a safe, confidential space to connect with others, share experiences, and gain practical education and tools to navigate the challenges of dementia together.
Tuesday, January 13th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease, how to approach someone about memory concerns, and the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis.
Wednesday, January 21st, 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.
Thursday, January 29th, 10:00am - 11:30am
Lutheran Home, 800 W Oakton St, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Memory Café is a welcoming monthly gathering for individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia and their care partners, offering light refreshments, friendly conversation, and meaningful activities designed to foster connection, comfort, and shared moments of joy.
A large Stanford Medicine–led study found that older adults who received the shingles vaccine were about 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years. Even more compelling, follow-up research suggests the vaccine may also slow disease progression in people already living with dementia, pointing to a promising, accessible preventive tool already in use today.
When a loved one with dementia stops recognizing us, it can feel heartbreaking and confusing. In our newest blog, we explain the science behind this experience—and share practical ways to respond with empathy and ease.
Learn more about our unique approach to in-home memory care, or call us at 847-407-1450 to see how we can help.