The Preserve, a senior living community in Fort Myers, took its residents on a walk around the community’s campus to honor those living with Alzheimer’s on Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day.
At the walk, residents and staff held purple balloons and dressed in purple shirts, sweaters and accessories to recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness and honor the Alzheimer’s movement. Residents were surprised as cars passing by honked in support while on their walk around The Preserve.
Prior to the event, residents and staff had an open discussion about Alzheimer’s and shared personal experiences, including stories of how Alzheimer’s has affected people in their circles who have lived with or are currently living with Alzheimer’s, as well as the emotions surrounding the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that impacts cognitive function and memory loss. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that between 60% and 80% of people living with dementia have Alzheimer’s, and it primarily impacts people over the age of 65. To increase awareness of the disease, World Alzheimer’s Day is honored around the world on Sept. 21 annually.
The Preserve’s Harbor Memory Support is home to residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of memory loss. Residents are cared for on a 24-hour schedule with personal care, activities, events and entertainment provided for them. The Preserve’s Harbor Memory Support is designed for familiarity and to evoke fond memories in residents who are experiencing memory loss.
To learn more about The Preserve and its memory care community, please visit ThePreserveVOA.org/Memory-Support or call 239-264-4400.