Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Understanding Memory Care And Support

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, recognize the millions of individuals and families it affects, and encourage communities to support research, education, and compassionate care. Whether you are beginning to notice changes in a loved one’s memory or are already navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, having access to reliable information and trusted care can make a meaningful difference.

At The Neighbors of Dunn County, we understand that memory loss impacts more than the individual living with the condition. It also affects spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and caregivers. That is why we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and resident-centered environment for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia while also supporting the families who walk alongside them.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a progressive brain disease that gradually affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. While memory loss can be a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s disease is not. Symptoms typically become more noticeable over time and eventually require increasing levels of support and care.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early symptoms often include:

• Difficulty remembering recently learned information
• Repeating questions or conversations
• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
• Challenges with planning or problem-solving
• Confusion with time or place
• Changes in mood or personality

Because Alzheimer’s progresses differently for every individual, early evaluation by a healthcare professional is important whenever memory changes become concerning.

Why Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Matters

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and millions more family members and friends provide care and support every day. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to educate communities, reduce stigma surrounding dementia, and encourage conversations about brain health, caregiving, and planning for future care needs.

For many families, recognizing the signs early allows them to explore available resources, discuss care preferences, and make thoughtful decisions before greater support becomes necessary.

Increasing awareness also reminds caregivers that they are not alone. Organizations across the country offer education, support groups, care planning resources, and opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

The Longest Day: A Meaningful Way To Raise Awareness

One of the Alzheimer’s Association’s most recognized annual initiatives is The Longest Day, held each year on or around the summer solstice, the day with the most daylight.

The campaign symbolizes the long and difficult journey experienced by individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and by those who care for them. Participants across the country raise funds and awareness by doing activities they enjoy, honoring someone affected by Alzheimer’s, and sharing their stories with others.

Whether someone chooses to walk, garden, play music, bake, golf, volunteer, or gather with friends and family, every activity helps bring attention to Alzheimer’s disease while supporting research, education, and free resources for families.

Compassionate Memory Care At The Neighbors Of Dunn County

When memory loss progresses to the point where additional support is needed, choosing the right care environment becomes an important decision.

The Neighbors of Dunn County offers two specialized Memory Care households designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. These secure neighborhoods provide a comfortable, familiar environment where residents can receive personalized care while maintaining dignity and quality of life.

Our memory care program focuses on the individual rather than the diagnosis. We recognize that every resident experiences dementia differently, and our care is tailored to each person’s unique needs, preferences, and abilities.

Features of our memory care services include:

• Specialized Memory Care households with enhanced security
• Staff trained to care for residents with varying stages of dementia
• Resident-centered care that respects each person’s individuality
• Therapeutic activities designed to encourage engagement
• Safe, familiar surroundings that help reduce confusion and promote comfort

Because Alzheimer’s affects both residents and their loved ones, we also encourage family involvement and meaningful connections throughout a resident’s stay whenever possible, reflecting our mission of supporting comfort, dignity, and well-being.

Supporting Brain Health Through Everyday Activities

While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, research suggests that staying mentally, socially, and physically active may help support overall brain health as we age. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages activities that challenge the brain, promote movement, and foster meaningful social connections as part of a healthy lifestyle.

At The Neighbors of Dunn County, many of these activities are incorporated into daily life because they encourage engagement, connection, and enjoyment for residents of all ability levels. Some examples include:

• Games: Bingo, Yahtzee, Bunco, cards, Pokeno, Left-Right-Center, 6-5-4, and other favorite group games
• Brain Games: Crossword puzzles, word searches, Scattergories, Sudoku, trivia, Jeopardy-style games, and jigsaw puzzles
• Social Activities: Ladies’ Tea, Men’s Breakfast, Happy Hour, live music, baking groups, reminiscing sessions, the Furry Friends program, music therapy, and sing-alongs
• Physical Activities: Chair exercises, balloon volleyball, floor bikes, gardening, and outdoor yard games
• Intergenerational Programming: Visits from local schools, volunteer organizations, the Dunn County Playgroup, and local 4-H groups that create opportunities for meaningful connections across generations
• Independent Activities: Residents also have access to books and audiobooks, board games, knitting and crocheting supplies, embroidery projects, art and coloring materials, puzzles, and personalized music through Amazon Echo devices.

Whether someone enjoys friendly competition, creative hobbies, or simply spending time with others, these activities help create opportunities for continued learning, social interaction, and purposeful engagement. Supporting brain health is about more than keeping busy. It is about maintaining connections, encouraging participation, and helping each person experience meaningful moments every day.

Supporting Families Through Every Stage

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often brings many questions and emotions. Families may wonder when additional support is needed, how to keep a loved one safe, or what type of care will best meet their changing needs.

No two situations are alike, and there is no single “right time” to begin exploring memory care. However, learning about available resources before a crisis occurs can help families make informed decisions with greater confidence.

At The Neighbors of Dunn County, our mission is to provide efficient, quality nursing and rehabilitation services within a safe and comfortable environment while recognizing that every resident is unique. Whether someone is returning home after rehabilitation or making our community their home, we encourage family involvement and strive to provide compassionate, individualized care every step of the way.

Contact The Neighbors Of Dunn County

For over a century, our legacy has been one of “Generations of Caring since 1892.” If you would like to learn more about our resident-centered neighborhood of homes, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, or hospice services, please contact The Neighbors of Dunn County. Our team would be honored to answer your questions and help you find the right support for your loved one.