Joining Forces to Defeat Dementia

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                                                                                                                March 19, 2016


Today, millions of Americans struggle to complete daily tasks, to remember familiar routines and to recognize their friends and loved ones. Currently, nearly 5.4 million Americans are suffering from some sort of Dementia, and that number is on the rise at an alarming rate. By 2050 the Alzheimer’s Association reports that this disease ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­is projected to grow by nearly 20% and will cost our nation upwards of $1.1 trillion dollars annually. Alzheimer’s disease is currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, one out of every three seniors dies from Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Every family will be affected. This data is staggering and certainly delivers a serious call to action for every community. Caring Transitions and NewAldaya Lifescapes are “in the trenches”, working directly with individuals with dementia, their families, and leading efforts to address the challenges they face. This shared passion has created a partnership to ‘Defeat Dementia’ in the Cedar Valley.

NewAldaya Lifescapes, a life plan community in Cedar Falls, recently opened their state of the art CCDI certified Memory Care House in September 2015. “We heard and responded to a sense of urgency for additional dementia services in the community.” Stated Millisa Tierney, CEO, NewAldaya Lifescapes. Both Caring Transitions and NewAldaya Lifescapes frequently see the effect of Alzheimer’s not only on the diagnosed but also the family care givers:  the physical, emotional and financial strain on family can be significant. “Ultimately, we all must help end this devastating disease,” added Tierney. NewAldaya Lifescapes partnered with University of Northern Iowa Panther Wrestling and Panther Sports properties – to create Defeat Dementia in honor of wrestling legend Keith Young. The program seeks to enhance community awareness surrounding the needs of individuals with dementia and their families, and raise funds to support NewAldaya’s program efforts to do so.

Statistics, support and solutions.  Those are key words to describe the strategy of helping families, individuals and communities combat Alzheimer’s and its debilitating health and financial effects.  The one “S” word, which is rarely talked about, is STUFF. After determining a loved one needs additional care and services, families are left wondering how to transition their family member to specialized memory care settings. It can be a very confusing and an overwhelming process. Clearing out family homes, sorting through a lifetime of memories and trying to determine how to get it all done is no easy feat, especially when the number one priority is their loved one. Caring Transitions of Northeast Iowa, focuses on the person and their loved ones to ensure their priority is our priority.  We do this through a Total Solution of Move Management, Packing, Unpacking, Downsizing, Decluttering, Cleanouts and Estate Sales.  Our priority is the family. Caring Transitions number one goal is to reduce their overwhelming stress and anxiety relating to their later life transition.  “We proudly support the Defeat Dementia Campaign” stated Kerri Shimp, Owner, Caring Transitions.

Arm yourself with the tools to assist you distinguish between the various certifications of care and how they impact your loved one – not all dementia facilities are the same! Learn techniques that assist you understanding your loved one’s behavior and minimize their environmental triggers. Join us on the battlefield to Defeat Dementia!

Additional information is available at www.NewAldaya.org or www.caringtransitionsofnortheastiowa.com         

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