Vitalia Senior Residences at Westlake 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 a type of dementia that affects the memory, behavior, and language areas of the brain. This is a progressive disease that moves in stages. Beginning stages of Alzheimer’s may include trouble with short-term memory, names, and basic tasks. Unfortunately, it will then progress to the middle stage then late stage, which may include a lost ability to ambulate, speak and or swallow, or complete any daily tasks.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are interventions to assist in slowing the process. This may include medication and therapies. The earlier the diagnosis the better chance these techniques have in working.

The best way to engage is to know that there is no “one size fits all” solution. It’s important to learn a person’s likes, dislikes, triggers, and comforts. These things can be added to your bag of tricks to help assist when they may be unaware of what the issue is. Alzheimer’s residents may not be able to tell you what they want or what they need, so as a caregiver it’s our responsibility to get creative and work together to figure out what is needed. It’s important to greet everyone with a smile, on their level and to gain trust. Residents may not remember your name, but I guarantee they will remember how you make them feel and that you’re a safe person to be with.

A person with Alzheimer’s or other memory issues can benefit greatly from being in a Vitalia Memory Care Neighborhood. We take pride in customizing care plans and activities to benefit residents at all different ability levels. We ensure residents know they are at home and not in a facility, they live in an apartment not just a room, and are residents not patients. This is their home first and the place we work second. We focus on safety and engagement to ensure all needs are met.

At Vitalia Senior Residences at Westlake, 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.