University Place

06/10/2026

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a reminder that brain health deserves our attention long before there is a crisis.

While Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, early signs can be easy to miss or explain away. Changes in memory, confusion with familiar tasks, difficulty finding words or withdrawal from social activities may all be worth a closer look.

Awareness matters because earlier conversations can lead to earlier support, stronger care planning and a better understanding of what a loved one may need.

This month, we encourage families to keep learning, keep asking questions and keep paying attention to the changes that should not be ignored.

06/08/2026

Fresh air can do more than brighten the day.

For someone living with dementia, time outside can help reduce restlessness, support better sleep and spark moments of recognition and calm. Natural light, familiar sights and the rhythm of being outdoors can all play a meaningful role in daily well-being.

Read our blog to learn how outdoor experiences may stimulate the senses, support sleep, increase vitamin D intake and help preserve meaningful long-term memories: https://heyor.ca/2gTbcW

Franciscan Ministries shares how spending time outside can benefit individuals living with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia.

06/05/2026

Join us on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at University Place for a special presentation by Indiana historian Ray E. Boomhower on the life and legacy of World War II combat photographer John A. Bushemi.

From the steel mills of Gary to the front lines of the Pacific Theater, Bushemi captured the realities of war with an instinctive ability to find the decisive moment. Hear his inspiring story and experience his powerful images. Light refreshments will be served.

Register by Thursday, June 18, by visiting the link below:
https://heyor.ca/ZZbR4z

06/04/2026

Living joyfully isn’t about filling a calendar. It’s about waking up with purpose, feeling connected to the people around you and having the freedom to keep doing what brings meaning to your life.

For us, Living Joyfully is more than a phrase. It reflects how we care for residents, support associates and create communities centered on beauty, well-being and service. It’s an intentional choice that shapes everything from relationships to programs to the everyday moments that make life feel full.

Learn more:

Franciscan Ministries is committed to helping people find their joy. Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy guides our associates and our care.

06/02/2026

Memory loss can change a lot. Being treated with dignity should never be one of those things.

The best memory care does more than assist with daily needs. It helps someone feel recognized, reassured and genuinely known. That can look like a caregiver who understands a resident’s rhythms, responds with patience and creates moments of comfort instead of confusion.

Read more in our newest blog:

Learn how compassionate memory care in senior living in Illinois helps individuals feel seen, supported and connected each day.

06/01/2026

There’s a certain kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.

It shows up in the stories grandparents tell, the traditions they pass down and the quiet ways they show love without needing recognition.

Care for Your Grandparents Month is a reminder to slow down and spend time with the people who helped shape who we are. A visit, a phone call or even just sitting together can mean more than you realize.

05/29/2026

May is coming to a close, but mental health doesn’t follow a calendar.

Mental Health Awareness Month helps start important conversations, yet caring for emotional and mental well-being is something that deserves attention every week of the year.

For older adults, especially, staying socially connected, mentally engaged and spiritually grounded can make a meaningful difference. A phone call with a friend. Time spent reading or learning something new. Moments of reflection or prayer. Small habits can support a healthier mind in powerful ways.

As May wraps up, it’s a good reminder that checking in on our mental health and the well-being of those around us should never be limited to one month.

05/28/2026

Few decisions carry as much weight as choosing the right care for someone you love.

The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Understanding the different levels of senior care and when they may be needed can bring clarity and peace of mind for families facing this transition.

Our guide walks through what to expect and how to recognize the signs that extra support may help your loved one live safely and joyfully. Download your free copy: https://heyor.ca/EDbgPj

05/25/2026

Within our communities are residents and families who carry the memory of loved ones who gave their lives in service to our country. Today, we pause to honor those heroes and reflect on the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible.

This Memorial Day, we remember with gratitude, reverence and deep respect. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Retirement often brings an unexpected question: “Where can I make a difference now?”

For many older adults, the answer is simple: serve someone else.

Whether it’s offering encouragement, sharing wisdom or helping a neighbor feel less alone, volunteering can bring purpose and connection.

Learn how giving back can help you rediscover purpose: https://heyor.ca/7YJqi1

Why volunteer? Serving others not only benefits those in need but also brings joy and a sense of belonging.