Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Anchor or choosing activities for someone you care for? You're in the right place.

We know it can be difficult to find activities that are engaging without being overwhelming, and age-appropriate without feeling childish. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

What is Anchor?

Anchor is a Native- and woman-owned business creating thoughtful, age-respectful activities for adults with different cognitive abilities.

Our Puzzles, Activity Books, and Tell Me a Story Conversation Cards are designed to encourage engagement, enjoyment, and meaningful connection while meeting adults where they are today.

We create our products with caregivers in mind because we understand how important it is to find something that doesn't simply fill time, but gives someone an opportunity to participate, succeed, and connect.

Who are Anchor activities for?

Anchor activities are designed for adults with a wide range of abilities, including:

• Adults living with dementia or Alzheimer's

• Adults recovering from stroke or brain injury

• Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities

• Older adults looking for enjoyable cognitive engagement

• Adults who may find traditional puzzles or activities frustrating or overwhelming

They're also created with the people supporting them in mind, including family caregivers, activity professionals, therapists, senior living teams, adult day programs, supported living providers, and community organizations.

If you're looking for activities that feel adult, respectful, and manageable, you're in the right place.

How do Anchor activities support cognitive wellness?

We believe cognitive wellness is about more than exercising the brain. It can also include staying engaged, participating in meaningful activities, experiencing success, sharing stories, and connecting with others.

That's why we pay attention to things like clear visuals, difficulty, layout, adult subject matter, conversation, and opportunities for different kinds of engagement.

Research has also explored the role puzzles, word games, reminiscence, conversation, and other meaningful activities may play in cognitive and emotional well-being.

You can learn more on our Cognitive Wellness Resources page.

How are Anchor activities different from typical brain games or children's activities?

Adults deserve activities created with adulthood in mind.

Unfortunately, when someone's cognitive abilities change, families and caregivers sometimes find themselves choosing between activities that are too difficult and activities that feel designed for children.

We believe there's a better option.

Anchor uses adult themes and imagery along with thoughtful adjustments to piece count, layout, print, difficulty, and activity design. The goal is to provide an appropriate level of challenge while preserving dignity and encouraging success.

How do I choose the right activity level?

Start with the person, not the diagnosis.

Consider their current attention span, vision, fine motor skills, interests, energy level, and how easily they become frustrated or fatigued. Someone's abilities can also vary from one day to another.

When you're unsure, starting a little easier can help build confidence. You can always increase the challenge when they're ready.

Our Finding the Right Activity Level guide can help you choose between Anchor Levels 1, 2, and 3.

What do Anchor Levels 1, 2, and 3 mean?

Our levels help caregivers choose activities based on ability rather than age.

Level 1 offers greater challenge and is intended for adults who can manage more complex activities.

Level 2 provides moderate support and reduced complexity.

Level 3 offers our greatest level of support, with simpler activities designed to make participation more manageable.

Because every person is different, these are guides rather than strict rules. Visit Finding the Right Activity Level for a more detailed explanation.

Can Anchor activities be used in memory care, senior living, and community programs?

Yes. Anchor products can be used in memory care, assisted living, adult family homes, adult day programs, supported living settings, rehabilitation environments, and community-based programs.

They're suitable for one-on-one activities, small groups, family visits, activity programs, or simply having something available when a resident or participant wants to engage.

If you're purchasing for a program or facility, we're also happy to help you choose a mix of products for different abilities.

Do your products work for different stages of dementia?

They can, but we encourage caregivers to choose based on the person's abilities rather than relying only on a diagnosis or stage.

Two people with the same diagnosis may have very different interests, attention spans, visual abilities, language skills, and tolerance for challenging activities.

Our different activity levels are designed to make that choice easier. Finding the Right Activity Level is a good place to start.

For individuals who need significant support, an activity may also become something a caregiver and loved one enjoy together rather than something completed independently.

Can family members and children use Anchor activities with their loved one?

Absolutely. In fact, some of the best moments can happen when the activity simply gives everyone a reason to sit down together.

A puzzle can become a shared project. A conversation question can lead to a story no one has heard before. An activity book can provide something comfortable to work on side by side.

Our Tell Me a Story Conversation Cards are especially easy to use across generations because there are no right or wrong answers. Just choose a question and see where the conversation goes.

How often should someone use cognitive activities?

There isn't one schedule that's right for everyone.

Some people enjoy activities every day. Others may engage for only a few minutes at a time or prefer activities on certain days. Interest, attention, energy, and ability can change.

Rather than focusing on completing a certain amount of activity, pay attention to the person. If they're interested and enjoying themselves, keep going. If they're becoming tired or frustrated, it's okay to stop and try again another time.

Meaningful engagement doesn't have to be long to matter.

Are Anchor products clinically tested or therapist-approved?

Anchor products are not medical devices or treatments, and we don't claim that they prevent, treat, or improve a medical condition.

Our products are created from a caregiver perspective and are informed by what we've learned about cognitive engagement, dementia care, accessibility, and meaningful activity. Anchor products are also used by families and professionals in a variety of care and community settings.

We continue to learn from caregivers, professionals, research, and the people who use our products.

You can explore some of the outside research and resources that inform our approach on our Cognitive Wellness Resources page.

Are Anchor products culturally inclusive?

We believe every adult deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

As a Native- and woman-owned business, we are especially mindful of representation, cultural respect, and the importance of seeing adulthood and life experience reflected in meaningful ways.

We work to avoid stereotypes and infantilizing imagery while continuing to broaden the subjects, stories, experiences, and communities represented in our products.

What is your return policy?

We want you to feel comfortable ordering from Anchor.

Unused products in their original packaging may be returned within 30 days after delivery with proof of purchase. Some exclusions apply, and customers are generally responsible for return shipping unless an item arrives damaged or incorrect.

For complete details, please visit our Return & Refund Policy.

If your order arrives damaged or there's a problem with what you received, please contact us. We want the opportunity to make it right.

Can I place a bulk order for a facility or organization?

Yes. We work with senior living communities, adult family homes, adult day programs, supported living providers, clinics, community organizations, and other groups serving adults with different abilities.

We can help you choose products for different ability levels and discuss bulk pricing or starter assortments.

Contact Anchor and tell us a little about your organization and the people you serve.

Do you offer wholesale for retailers?

Yes, wholesale opportunities are available for select retailers and organizations whose customers include caregivers, older adults, and adults with different cognitive abilities.

Contact us with information about your store or organization, and we'll be happy to discuss current wholesale options.

What if I'm still not sure what to buy?

Please ask us.

You don't have to figure it out by yourself.

Tell us a little about the person you're shopping for, what they enjoy, what they're able to do comfortably, and what has or hasn't worked in the past.

We'll help you narrow down the choices and find a good place to start.

You can also begin with Finding the Right Activity Level or Contact Anchor for personal help.

We created Anchor for caregivers and the people beside them. We're glad you're here.