11 Reasons Why Communities Want to End Alzheimer’s
November marked National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. With nearly 36 million people worldwide who have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia disease, A Place for Mom employees wanted to help raise awareness in a personal way.
First, employees participated in The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, which is “the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.” APFM’s corporate office in Seattle and the Senior Living Advisor teams across North America participated in the Walk through September and October of this year, and raised over $20,000 for 2014.
Next, APFM launched a “selfie” campaign this month, answering the statement “I want to #EndAlz because…” Employees participated in the campaign by contributing their personal sentiments on why they wanted to see an end to Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, we invited partner communities through our Senior Living Insider newsletter to participate in our “selfie” campaign. Staff, residents and family members were encouraged to write their own statement on why they wanted an end to Alzheimer’s.
The following are personal sentiments shared from the participating communities that we’d like to share with all of you!
Brookdale Champions
Special thanks to Laura M., Sales Manager at Brookdale, for coordinating her community’s “selfies.” Laura says, “This is such an awesome idea for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month! It is personal for us here at Brookdale Champions too. Thank you so much for allowing us to participate.”
“I want to #EndAlz because I don’t want my mother to forget me!”¬†‚Äì Mary K. and mother Marian N.
“I want to #EndAlz because I don’t want to forget my daughter!” – Marian N. and daughter Mary K.
“We want to #EndAlz because memories are priceless!”¬†‚Äì Residents Ann M. and Ruth N.
“I want to #EndAlz because they should be able to remember their wonderful marriage!”¬†‚Äì Residents Emery and Neoma T.
“I want to #EndAlz because we LOVE our residents!” – Care Staff
“I want to #EndAlz because I love Nancy!” – Nancy P. and Executive Director, Becky G.
“I want to #EndAlz because I love Jack!” Clare Bridge Manager, Priscilla D. and Jack C.
Other Brookdale staff members chimed in upon seeing these amazing photos:
Britta E., Regional VP of Operations, Central Division, exclaims:¬†”Thank you!! Every one of these beautiful pictures brought tears to my eyes.¬†Some were tears of gratitude that I, and each of you, play a HUGE role in caring for persons with dementia. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures!”
Gwen W., District Director Clinical Services, Central Division, says:¬†”Truly exceptional. Thanks so much for sharing this!”
Erica S. expresses:¬†”OK, this is AMAZING!!! I got a little emotional reading all of these. Thank you for sharing!”
Heritage of Peachtree
Special thanks to Meghan L., Concierge at Heritage of Peachtree, for coordinating her community’s “selfies.” Meghan says she is “Happy to help.”
“I want to #EndAlz because everyone deserves to remember forever.” ‚Ä쬆Wanda K., Executive Director
“I want to #EndAlz because it steals more than the mind…the heart.”¬†‚Äì Debbie G., Wellness Director
“I want to #EndAlz because a cure saves a lifetime of family memories.”¬†‚Äì Terri W., Resident Care Assistant
“I want to #EndAlz because it robs a person’s dignity, memory, quality of life.”¬†‚Äì Sharon L., Medication Technician
Why do you want to #EndAlz? Share your personal sentiments in the comments below!