Chestnut Hill Senior Living Concentrates on Alzheimer’s Awareness

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month, bringing the plight of those facing the diagnosis, and the need for a cure, to the forefront. Today, there are more than 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and while research continues, a cure is yet to be identified. Arrow Senior Living is working to heighten awareness of Alzheimer’s disease during the month of November through discussion and education.

Alzheimer’s Disease is an illness that attacks nerve cells in the brain, causing those cells to die. As the brain cells die, people with Alzheimer’s suffer from memory loss and confusion. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease; however, there are several medications that can be taken to temporarily lessen the severity of the symptoms.

We can best help and engage individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease by creating an emotional and physical environment that is safe. We can create an emotionally safe environment by first learning about and connecting to those with Alzheimer’s. Listening to individuals with dementia and validating their feelings is extremely important. We can also demonstrate patience and understanding when individuals are having a difficult time completing a task, trying to express a thought, or wanting to go home. We can create a physically safe environment by properly storing toxics away and making sure that the appropriate equipment is used, such as walkers, canes, and hearing aids.

Someone living with Alzheimer’s Disease can benefit from living in our Memory Care Neighborhood because they would be surrounded by professionals who have been trained to properly care for individuals with dementia. The person will receive person-centered care in our Memory Care Neighborhood and be treated with dignity and respect. They would have the opportunity to participate in numerous programs and events planned by Memory Care professionals throughout the day.

At Chestnut Hill Senior Living we continue to increase our knowledge of Alzheimer’s through ongoing education, so we can better empower those living with the disease and help their families to better cope. Our Memory Care Neighborhoods maintain awareness of this disease, while offering engagement, safety, and comfort to our residents.