June 21, 2022
As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.
Mary Anne Radmacher
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, when those whose lives have been touched by memory-impairing diseases come together and raise awareness through education and support. This month includes June 21st, the summer solstice and the longest day of sunshine and light during the calendar year.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect over five million individuals in the United States alone. If we continue this current trajectory, this number is expected to triple by the year 2050. The impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals and those who love them is astounding. Memory, personality, problem solving, safety awareness, decision making, relationships – all these things and more are affected through no fault or choice of the individual. For families, this can feel like a loss that never seems to end.
While dementia is incredibly challenging for everyone involved, there are ways that each one of us can bring light to the darkness.
On June 21st, we celebrate the longest day of the year. The Longest Day is the day in which the sun is shining for the longest period, also known as the summer solstice. This day has been chosen as the day where people from all over the world fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s Disease through fundraising.
As a Memory Care Director, I see The Longest Day is a time when we can come together in solidarity to show our support for those with Alzheimer’s, as well as the family of those diagnosed with the disease. This is a day where we can lift our voices for those who can no longer advocate for themselves. This devastating disease impacts so many people across America and in the entire world. The Longest Day is about recognizing these impacts, raising awareness, and raising funds to continue to fight for those affected by Alzheimer’s.
Here at VITALIA Active Adult Community® – North Royalton North Royalton, OH, we will be celebrating The Longest Day with the color purple. All throughout our community staff, residents, and family members will be encouraged to wear purple. We will also be making purple desserts with our Pastry Chef Savannah. Because we are a new community, we will offer tours of our Memory Care Neighborhood to our Independent Living and Assisted Living residents and provide an educational piece on Alzheimer’s Disease.
We encourage our family members and current residents to join in on events in Memory Care. We even encourage volunteers to host events in the Neighborhood. When individuals spend time with our Neighborhood residents, they begin to understand memory care better. All their love and support really puts a smile on our residents’ faces!
Let’s join as communities throughout this month to honor, love, and support not only those living with dementia, but their families as well. If your life is personally touched by this disease, we are here for you.
VITALIA® North Royalton in North Royalton, OH offers independent senior apartments, 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. Centrally located near Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Ridgewood Golf Course, Southpark Mall, Sleepy Hallow Golf Course, Cleveland Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Heavily Hills Farm.
