What are the Tips for Caregivers?
Below are some videos our Grace Place staff members filmed to support caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as well as community resources, as we work together to provide relief and respite for caregivers. We hope these resources are helpful for caregivers as they navigate new situations with their loved ones.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 210-735-5115 or by email.
ReCollections
Art Conversations at the San Antonio Museum of Art
ReCollections at the SAMA invites all individuals living with dementia and their loved ones to join us for this free engagement event.
Engage in a morning of reminiscing and conversations while viewing and creating art! Trained museum staff will lead inclusive conversations and art-making activities during this interactive program, held within the museum's galleries.
Details:
- 2026 Dates: January 16th, February 20th, April 17th, and May 15th
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Location: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215
- To register, please visit here!
- This event is hosted by UT Health Science Center, in partnership with Alzheimer's Association, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Meals on Wheels San Antonio. For additional questions, please call 210-978-8141 or email floresm16@uthscsa.edu.
The Sunflower Program at San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport is a proud partner of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative to support people with non-visible disabilities to get the support they need. These can be physical, visual, auditory or neurological and range from autism and ADHD to cognitive impairments such as learning difficulties and dementia, as well as mental health conditions. They can also be respiratory and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic pain, and sleep disorders.
This means airport passengers with hidden disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo to discreetly indicate they may require additional assistance from employees, such as extra time needed at check-in or security, escorting to gates, or assistance with reading signage or other airport procedures.
No documentation is required for those requesting a Sunflower Lanyard. Program participation is voluntary, and passengers do not need to disclose the nature of their disability. To request a lanyard, do one of the following:
- Submit a request form found here
- Send an email to aviterminalmanagement@sanantonio.gov
- Stop at any SAT Airport Information Desk
- Call (210) 207-3812
For more information, visit the San Antonio International Airport page here!
Caregiver Support with WellMed
WellMed Charitable Foundation provides caregiver support and education to help them care for themselves and their loved ones. Through Caregiver SOS, caregivers in our community can access caregiver coaching, caregiver teleconnection, the Stress-Busting Program (tailored to develop coping skills related to caring for your loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia), and their annual Caregiver Summit.
To speak to one of their caregiver support specialist, call 1-866-390-6491, email caregiversos@wellmed.net, or click the button below!
Visit our Amazon Storefront!
Our Amazon Storefront provides caregivers with some of the activities used at Grace Place Alzheimer's Center. Our pinned list includes activities that stimulate the mind, exercise fine motor skills, and help your loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia receive comfort and care. Continue reading to learn more about our top recommended items for families:
Keeping Busy Coloring Activity Kits
Art projects are a fun, relaxing way for people of all ages to express their creativity! Art therapy stimulates the brain in numerous ways, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. This kit provides users with multiple ways to nurture their creative side while engaging the mind, offering Classic Coloring, Simplified Coloring, Guided Coloring, and Color by Number.
Microwavable & Weighted Stuffed Animal
This lovable teddy bear is a great way to bring instant comfort to your loved one during moments of anxiety or stress. It can be used for either hot or cold therapy. The Bed Buddy Bear offers both moist heat and cold therapy, serving as a natural alternative to over-the-counter drug treatments.
Thumball Conversation Game
Improve dialogue and communication with this game by discussing topics in a safe and supportive environment while incorporating some physical activity as you toss the ball between loved ones, caregivers, family, and friends. Spark memories in those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia by presenting a range of topics related to everyday life, leading to fun and endearing conversations.
In addition, Dementia Caregiver Resources provides informative literature to our families caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. Through the eyes of a loved one caring for their father living with Alzheimer's or by providing information through every stage of Alzheimer's, the team at Grace Place aims to support and care for our families going through this journey.
Engagement Activities
Dealing with Repetition
One of the most worrisome symptoms of dementia for family members and caregivers is when a person frequently repeats a statement, question, or behavior. This repetition is common, and although it may be frustrating, there are ways to help this behavior. Former Alzheimer's Services Director, Christina Avena, highlights a few strategies to help a loved one who may find themselves repeating questions and phrases.
Music Therapy
Grab your loved one and follow Amy Stanridge, Director of Grace Notes Choir, and Alzheimer's Staff, in this fun, enjoyable sing-along for anyone who wants to participate! Music therapy involves participating in and listening to music to bring about functional changes in human learning and behavior. Hearing and singing a familiar song sometimes brings back memories and language that an individual with dementia has forgotten.