By Karla Lindeen, Resident Services Director
Karla has worked in the health care industry for over twenty years locally in the Tampa Bay area. She received her undergraduate degree from Florida State University, and earned an MBA from University of Phoenix, a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida, and is Care Manager Certified. In addition, Karla is a Life Story Training graduate, and has earned an essentiALZ® Plus Dementia Advanced Care Certification. She is an active member of the Aging Life Care Association, and serves on the Florida Chapter Board of Directors. She is also a member of Better Living for Seniors, and American Society on Aging. Karla also proudly serves in an appointed position on the Dunedin Committee on Aging.
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND HELP END ALZHEIMER’S
The Alzheimer’s epidemic is expected to reach staggering levels in the years ahead. Most of us already know or care for someone diagnosed with the disease or a related dementia – this fight is for them. The cure is within reach, but only through increased awareness and engagement. September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign dedicated to do just that, so let’s raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.
Are you ready to join the fight against this debilitating illness? Here are five ways you can step up and make a difference.
- Advocate
Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the U.S. and the 6thleading cause of death. Consider joining the Alzheimer Impact Movement (AIM) to advocate on a larger stage. Take the opportunity to show your support by wearing purple, the official color of the movement to end Alzheimer’s. Use this as a conversation starter to encourage friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to join in. The result? Unprecedented visibility for this escalating epidemic.
- Walk
More than 600 “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” events are held around the country every year. Last year, more than 450,000 people participated in these events in the U.S. Though this year is a little different, choose to walk alone or organize a team of your own to walk in support of a loved one or community member. If you can’t attend a walk, consider donating to a walker or team instead.
- Give
Someday there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and you can play an important role by making a tax-deductible donation toward Alzheimer’s disease research and programs. Not only can you help improve the lives of patients, their loved ones, and caregivers, but you also get the benefit of knowing you’ve made a difference…not to mention a tax deduction.
- Volunteer
35,000 volunteers lend their time and effort to the Alzheimer’s Association every year. Even a few hours a month can make a big difference. Whether you help in planning an event or offer care to support someone with Alzheimer’s, your time and talent is needed each and every day.
- Share
More than 44 million people around the globe are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and more than 5 million of them are here in America. This number is predicted to skyrocket to 76 million people by the year 2030. But we can put our brains together to reverse this troubling trend and stop the epidemic by sharing this message within your social network to start making a difference today.
From wearing purple and walking in a fundraising event to donating your time or money, there are plenty of ways you can personally make a difference. The more information shared, the closer we get to achieving a world without Alzheimer’s.
Learn more:
How To Connect With Loved Ones Living With Dementia During Covid-19
10 Helpful Questions When Searching for the Right Memory Care
11 Hobbies & Activities For Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s
A New Day for the Michael Bilirakis Memory Care at St. Mark Village
