June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Every person alive is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Currently, there are 50 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and more than 6 million of them live in the United States.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, fatal disease. Thanks to efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association® and other organizations around the country and globe, we are coming closer and closer to finding ways to eradicate this disease. Recently, the exciting news came out that a novel therapy – the first in almost twenty years – was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This new treatment, Aducanumab (Adulhelm) is the first treatment ever that is directed at reducing amyloid beta plaques in the brain – which are the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

This groundbreaking news makes this Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month even more important and hopeful. Every year, we at Charles E. Smith Life Communities pledge to provide meaningful care and empathy to those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This year, knowing that this new therapy has been released, we will double down on our efforts to help raise funds and awareness towards the goal of eradicating Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline.

While we raise awareness with our community and celebrate this recent discovery, the care we provide – the nationally recognized memory care found at Cohen-Rosen House and Connections at Landow House – will continue to be the same innovative, meaningful and enjoyable care our residents and family members currently enjoy.

The memory care offered at CESLC provides a safe, serene and caring home for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related disorders. Our two residences, Cohen-Rosen House and Connections at Landow House, provide unique settings where residents enjoy the benefits of private accommodations, creative programming and personal solutions that shape each day into a fulfilling lifestyle.

The daily experiences we provide for our residents are designed to maintain the most important connections in life: faith, family, values, relationships, comfort and security. We believe that dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease do not change who a person is at their core; instead, it becomes more important than ever to honor the person and provide meaningful opportunities for connection fulfillment and joy.

Memory Care Offerings

Our two memory care neighborhoods are staffed by professionals who undergo the most up-to-date dementia care training. Our team members follow a universal approach, meaning that each team member is trained in all aspects of Alzheimer’s and memory care best practices. Everyone on our team knows how to help with the tasks of daily life such as dressing, grooming, toileting, housekeeping, recreation and dining. Our specialized team includes:

  • On-staff, on-campus physicians who make home visits
  • Registered/licensed nurses available 24 hours a day
  • Certified medicine aides
  • Certified geriatric nursing assistants
  • Activity and dementia care specialists
  • Housekeeping

The homelike environment our memory care neighborhoods provide focus on the needs and desires of the whole person: social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual. Residents can enjoy relaxing in a tranquil garden, visit with family members in light-filled great rooms or they can simply relax on the couch with a good book. Our programming has a person-centered approach and is individualized for each of our residents. There are no cookie-cutter solutions here. An example of what a typical day might be could include:

  • Morning: Spending time gardening, exercising one’s mind with brain fitness activities, exploring one’s creative side in our creative arts studio, a scenic drive throughout the town, museum outings or wellness exercises
  • Afternoon: Art studio sessions with our Creative Engagement Coordinator, a violin recital from a community artis, a rousing BINGO game, social gatherings with other residents or a piano performance in the great all
  • Evening: An evening movie complete with popcorn and treats before heading off to bed

Every day – whether it is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month or not – CESLC strives to provide an environment where those with memory loss are celebrated, honored and given the support they need to live fulfilled lives. We are proud to empower our residents, and we treat that honor with the dignity and reverence it deserves. As our society continues to reach new heights and milestones towards the cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we will continue to provide the best possible care and well-being for all of our residents.