Did you know that worldwide more than 50 million people are living with dementia? And more than 6 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S.? Meanwhile, more than 11 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. Ultimately, those with the disease will lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends and care for themselves. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, but approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s. There is no current cure for the disease, but there are treatments for its symptoms and research is ongoing. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association raise funds and awareness about the disease with the goal of finding a cure for it.
What Is The Longest Day?
The Longest Day is an annual event that takes place during the summer solstice to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The summer solstice marks the start of summer and is the day of the year with the most sunlight.
Each year during The Longest Day event in June, “thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice.” While the event is tied to fundraising, you don’t have to necessarily raise funds to participate.
The Longest Day is a part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, which takes place annually each June and provides an opportunity to join the Alzheimer’s Association in conversation and education about the brain, brain health, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
How Can I Participate in The Longest Day?
There are a number of ways you can participate in and take action on The Longest Day, which is happening on Sunday, June 20 in 2021. We have highlighted some ideas to get you started!
Wear Purple to Show Your Support
At Querencia at Barton Creek, we are encouraging residents and team members to wear purple in recognition of The Longest Day as a show of our support for the cause. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s Association, combining the calm stability of blue and the passionate energy of red. It is worn as a sign of strength in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Share Your Story on Social Media
The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to share images and stories on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #ENDALZ or #EndAlzheimers. You can also use the hashtag #TheLongestDay on June 20 to view or take part in the conversation that day.
Participate in an Educational Event or Activity
The Querencia team is excited to present our residents with a full day of activities in recognition of The Longest Day. We will begin the day with a sunrise breakfast in our outdoor courtyard. The breakfast will feature brain-boosting foods. We will also encourage residents and team members to wear purple that day. After our most popular fitness class, strength training, we will gather everyone for a group photo to show off their purple clothes. Later on in the day, Fran Werner, our Wellness Manager, will host a Healthy Living Lecture on ways to boost your brain.
You can also check with your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter for events in your area.
Create a Fundraising Page or Donate to the Cause
The Longest Day website allows you to create a fundraising page as an individual or part of a team to raise money in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. The website provides a number of ideas for fundraiser activities that include exercise, sports, games, events, hobbies and arts. If you are unable to or prefer not to participate in an activity, you can set up a page just for fundraising. You may also choose to make a general donation, if you have the means to do so.
How Querencia Supports Those Impacted by Alzheimer’s
At Querencia, we recognize the toll Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia can take on the individuals diagnosed with the disease, as well as their family members and loved ones. We often encourage Independent Living residents who are showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia to create routines based on our programming calendar. Attending fitness classes, lectures and social events helps keep residents active and social. In addition, we promote a healthy diet.
Beyond recognizing and planning activities during The Longest Day, Querencia also offers a year-round spousal support group led by Social Services Director Ashley Brorby. This group is for spouses and significant others who are or have cared for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The group meets once a month and residents can reach out to our team for more information.
Care You Can Count On
Querencia at Barton Creek provides our residents with the full range of care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehab services. Each compassionate Memory Care team member is specially trained to serve and support those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. We seek to maintain the familiar while providing residents with an avenue for purpose.
If you’d like to learn more about Querencia at Barton Creek or the health and wellness services we provide to our residents, we are more than happy to share. Contact us today!
