Every September, people around the globe come together in support and hope to help raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease (and other forms of dementia). This September will be the 10th year of this international awareness campaign, developed by the International Alzheimer’s Association®. Much of the efforts will culminate on September 21, which is World Alzheimer’s Day.
“There is still a huge stigma about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that we have to battle,” says Dawn Maligno, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke , a memory care assisted living community in Pembroke, MA. “Building understanding and awareness is the biggest step we can take in helping normalize this disease, fund opportunities for research and, someday, find a cure.”
“People living with dementia and their loved ones don’t ever get a day off from this progressive disease,” she explains. “Showing your support, love and comfort during the entire year is one of the best ways we can be advocates and supporters to our loved ones.”
Showing Support to Those with Dementia
When someone we love has dementia, it’s a natural reaction to not know what to say. Many people with dementia report feeling lonely after a diagnosis, particularly when friends and family members pull away from them. It’s important to remember that your friend or loved ones are the same person they were before the diagnosis and that there are still many opportunities for them to make memories, share stories and enjoy life. Here are some ways that you personally can show support to someone in your life who has been diagnosed with dementia.
- Remember that because dementia is a progressive disease, your friend or loved ones will still be able to do many things on their own for a while. Give them the opportunity to do what they can while helping only if necessary.
- Spend time with them. It’s okay if you don’t know what to say or how to feel. They’re probably feeling the same way.
- Find opportunities to laugh together. Laughter is a wonderful way to connect, and there is lots in life to find joy in.
Showing Support to Family Caregivers
Family members, particularly caregivers, are often referred to as the silent victims of dementia. Dementia is very much a family affair and can take its toll on everyone it touches. Here are some ways you can show support to family caregivers and let them know you care.
- Offer to help and be specific. For example, you could go grocery shopping for the caregiver while you’re at the store. Or you could help coordinate house cleaning or some other service. Having specific, actionable tasks that you can offer to do will make it much easier for caregivers to say “yes.”
- Research different support, respite and care options on behalf of your caregiver friend or family member. Look into different community resources that could be of assistance, such as meal delivery services, transportation services, adult day care, social workers and such.
- Provide respite care. Family caregivers often don’t have an opportunity to take care of themselves and offering to watch their loved ones for a time can be a huge boon. Providing respite care allows the caregiver to do things like go to a doctor’s appointment, get a haircut or simply take a nap without having to worry.
- Listen. Sometimes all anyone needs is a shoulder to lean on and a friendly ear. Caregiving can be a hard job, and being sympathetic and listening can be the greatest gift you can give someone.
- Stay in touch and be flexible. It can be frustrating if your friend or loved ones don’t respond or accept your support. Be understanding, and don’t give up.
Support for the Cause
Beyond providing support for caregivers and individuals with dementia, there are many things you can do to help show support for the cause. The more people who understand the realities about dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, the more stigma we fight and break down, which allows us to move forward in providing the best possible quality of life and care for those living with this disease. If you’re looking for ways to support the cause, read on!
- Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Having correct and factual knowledge about the disease, how it progresses, how to treat it and ways to help reduce one’s risk of developing it can do wonders in helping fight stigmas and help people understand.
- Participate in fundraising events for your local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter. There are many events that take place throughout the year, and September is a great opportunity to bond together with others to help raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
- Donate. While there are national and international initiatives focused on raising awareness and funding research to end Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the majority of funding comes from volunteers and individual donors just like yourself.
World Alzheimer’s Day and World Alzheimer’s Month have been occurring for a decade, but it’s our hope that it won’t have to continue for another decade. With help from advocates, supporters, friends and family members, we will join forces to find a cure for this disease and help bring understanding and acceptance for those living with the disease.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposefully Designed Community
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues and aromatherapy create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.