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Advice by Alicia: Raising Dementia Awareness

Tuesday, June 04, 2019

Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].

Q: There’s been a lot of growing awareness about dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. But there are still a lot of stigmas out there. What can I, as a caregiver, do to help raise awareness and spread the facts about cognitive diseases?

A: Alzheimer’s disease has definitely received a boost as of late with a lot of awareness building and a charge from Congress to find a cure by 2025. We’re closer than ever to pinpointing how and why these diseases form and ways to prevent them. Still, it’s true that there are many misconceptions and stigmas still out there about these diseases and the individuals who develop them.

That’s one of the reasons why the Alzheimer’s Association® has created “The Longest Day,” a worldwide fundraising event to help fight Alzheimer’s and raise money for research. Held each year on the summer solstice – June 21st in 2019 – participants use their creativity and talents from sunrise to sunset to honor someone with the disease. While participants can pledge their support through efforts like running, walking or hiking, The Longest Day encourages people to simply do something they love, whether that’s watching movies, baking, reading or even playing Scrabble.

According to Donna McCullough, Chief Development Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association®, The Longest Day “…honors the strength, heart and endurance of people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. By coming together on this day, we show these families that they are not alone and inspire hope for our vision: a world without Alzheimer’s.”

However, you don’t have to wait for The Longest Day to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. There are many ways that caregivers, family members and friends can advocate for and about dementia awareness on a daily basis, and since June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to begin. Here are some suggestions on how to help raise awareness in your circle and your community:

Share your story. Whether you are a caregiver of a loved one with dementia or you’re an individual in the early stages of the disease, your personal story is the strongest and most meaningful form of advocacy possible. Share your story online using the hashtags #ENDALZ or #EndAlzheimers. But don’t stop there. Find ways to spread the word in real life through community groups or simply by helping spread correct information to friends and family.

Host an educational event. Building off of the “share your story” idea, consider hosting a speech or event about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to inform your community. By sharing the signs, symptoms and causes of dementia, plus giving your first-hand experience with the disease, you can help lift the stigma and raise awareness.

Support caregivers and spend time with loved ones who have dementia. For those who are not primary caregivers, showing support to those who provide care can be a priceless gift. Spending time with loved ones who are in any stage of the disease is incredibly meaningful as well. Take time to visit, share the gift of your time and be present so you can provide comfort and love.

Donate. You don’t have to fundraise only on The Longest Day. You can donate any time, volunteer your time at the local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter in your area or register in a walkathon. Being an advocate is a donation as well.

Although June is the perfect time to raise dementia awareness, raising knowledge about this disease is a year-round, 24/7 mission. The best thing you can do is raise your voice, raise awareness and do your part in helping us find hope and a cure.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.

We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.

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At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents each and every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.

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