Dementia Awareness Month

September marks Dementia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of dementia, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Dementia is not a single disease, but a collection of symptoms that result from disorders affecting the brain. These symptoms can impact memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. While Alzheimer’s Disease is the most well-known, there are many other forms of dementia, each with unique necessities.

Amidst the growing number of older adults with dementia, facilities like Newton Village offer support for those affected by it. Newton Village is a continuing care community that also delivers a specialized Memory Care service tailored for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

A number of Memory Care options are available in our community. Some provide services in the home while others provide a home-like, entrance-controlled area designed to cater to those with memory loss. In Memory Care Assisted Living, tenants rent a private apartment, complete with housekeeping, laundry, and three meals daily, served in a central dining and living area. This design promotes a sense of familiarity and comfort, crucial for those grappling with the uncertainties of dementia.

Most professional Memory Care services begin with a nursing assessment to determine the most beneficial services and to create an individualized service plan. The staff are trained explicitly in dementia care, and invest time in understanding residents’ stories, ensuring they remain engaged in daily life. The focus is on ability-centered activities, encouraging residents to retain life skills for as long as possible and celebrating their successes.

Dementia Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those with dementia and also by their families. Newton Village and other local providers play a pivotal role in providing compassionate, specialized care, ensuring that every tenant, resident, or client with dementia leads a life filled with dignity, respect, and love.

For more information, please contact:

Newton Village

110 N. 5th Avenue W

Newton, Iowa 50208

Ph: 641-792-0115

www.newtonvillage.org