Taking It To The Streets

Bells were ringing, folks were singing Jingle Bells, The Star Spangled Banner and dancing. This started our day at the Senior Center in Gainesville, Georgia. We were all smiles!

We enjoy the privilege of doing presentations, educating and being a part of our local communities Senior Centers and active Senior communities. An active life for senior citizens and those with disabilities is crucial for a feeling of connected and sustained good health. The last two weeks we have been taking it to the streets and teaching and doing presentations in senior centers where we have had overwhelmingly great responses and welcomes.

Last week we met a lady that is 98 years old. While she can't hear very well, she is extremely sprite and does weekly water aerobics and participates in Silver Sneakers with her friends at the senior center. She was so cheerful and laughed a lot. What an inspiration!

Today, we had the opportunity to provide a Alzheimer's presentation to a group of seniors. We provided educational information including signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia, personal experience with caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and helpful tips for caretakers. There was at least 6 or 7 individuals there who had a family member with Alzheimer's Disease and we had a few share their story with us all. 

Talking about experiences and being a part of an Alzheimer's Support Group is very helpful for family members who are frustrated or just plain give out from the 24/7 care it demands. Awareness is key to early detection but also learning about prevention and hopefully someday, a cure. We are glad to be making a difference in our community.

We also had some pumpkin bread for the group and it was gone in a hurry! What a wonderful fall day meeting some new wonderful folks and helping out in a small way.

~April Cummings, Marketing Director
Southern Companions

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www.southerncompanions.net

For more info on Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia visit http://www.alz.org/