Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted 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 the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease that affects one’s memory, behavior, language, and participation in activities of daily living. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease will need higher levels of care to ensure their safety and ability to do everyday things.

At this point in time there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but we are getting closer and closer to finding a cure. Fortunately, there are medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, or help the transition be easier on the individual affected.

We can best help and engage individuals with Alzheimer’s disease by treating them like they are still a person. I truly believe it is so important to be inclusive. When I am talking with families, and the resident is present, I will turn to the resident to try to get their input, when appropriate. There is so much importance in engagement with your loved one. When someone thinks of care, they often just consider the physical needs like dressing and bathing. But care doesn’t end there with Alzheimer’s. This disease is in the brain. This is the area that needs the most stimulation to help our loved ones live meaningful lives. It is important to give them time to read the paper out loud at their own pace, not scold them for saying or doing something “wrong,” and provide them an opportunity to voice their opinions and wishes. These are all great ways to help and support anyone you know affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Our residents get support in many ways in our Memory Care Neighborhood. They are included in setting up for meals, we do daily exercises as a group, and our team encourages our residents to be involved. Oftentimes if someone is sitting alone, just inviting them to come watch an event could be all that they need to feel welcomed and potentially participate. We spark conversations while reminiscing about days past. Arrow recently began art challenges for our Neighborhoods. To say it has been a great success would be an understatement. The way art brings out creativity is so beautiful. Residents who say they can’t do art get that little bump of encouragement and next thing you know they are creating a clay plate with their hands! Arrow’s Neighborhoods are truly an amazing place for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s to thrive.

At Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted 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.