November 18, 2022
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 a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Common early symptom is difficulty with your short-term memory. As the disease advances, problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues occur. Gradually bodily functions are lost, and the results are terminal. Currently there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s. Research is underway, but they have not developed a cure. There are some medications that will help slow the progression and assist with some of the symptoms.
We can help and engage individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. We need to realize they are doing the best they can and understand that due to the changes in their brains they may not be able to do things as they once were able to do. Patience is key. We can also increase engagement by creating a routine that is familiar to them, providing events that are important, including their interest, making certain their needs are met throughout the day, creating a calm environment, and offering purposeful opportunities and cognitive stimulation. This is a great recipe for successful engagement.
We have created a Memory Care Neighborhood for our residents where they can feel part of a family and can contribute to their own life by continuing to make decisions. We focus on abilities and strengths they still have rather than what they are unable to do any longer. We create their person-centered plan of care that includes interest, abilities, their routine, and wishes. We provide daily socialization, purposeful opportunities, cognitive stimulation, spiritual practices, and creative events to slow the progression of dementia.
At Hudson Grande 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.
The Plaza at Wildwood in Wildwood, MO offers independent living plus, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. We are centrally located near Mercy Hospital with convenient access to attractions, including Pevely Farms Golf Club, B&B Theatres Wildwood 10, Wildwood Community Park, YMCA Wildwood, and the Hidden Valley Ski Resort.