Celebrating National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
In recognition of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Brio Living Services is proud to highlight the role we play in providing care and support to the thousands of older adults and families across Michigan affected by this disease.
According to data provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common forms of dementia, is seen as a growing public health crisis in Michigan. Roughly 203,000, or 11.2%, of Michiganders aged 65 and over currently live with dementia; that number will continue to grow as the number of older adults also increases.
At Brio, we provide the highest quality care to older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia across our communities and service lines throughout Michigan. This includes memory care at our residential communities, including Meadowlark Retirement Village (MRV) in Sparta, Porter Hills Village (PHV) in Grand Rapids, and Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) in Chelsea, as well as through our home- and community-based programs, such as PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly).
At Brio Living Services, each community and program tailors its care to meet the unique needs of the older adults it serves. At the same time, we prioritize evidence-based, person-centered practices—especially when supporting individuals living with dementia. That commitment shows up in how we design care models and physical environments that help older adults age vibrantly, whether in our residential communities or in their own homes. Many of our teams have also completed training in Positive Approach to Care® (PAC), an innovative, evidence-informed dementia education program developed by Teepa Snow. PAC equips care partners with practical skills and strategies to reduce stress and improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia.
At Porter Hills Village, every team member who interacts with memory care residents receives PAC training. Stephanie Troeger, Dementia Care Specialist at PHV, explains, “It’s the small things” that make a difference in quality care approaches like PAC. “It’s a real ‘a-ha’ moment when team members realize the importance of something as simple as where to place a resident’s dinner plate—so as not to startle them.”
When asked how PAC is applied in daily care at PHV, Memory Care Manager, Christie Vander Meer, shares, “We use PAC every day by focusing on meeting residents where they are. Our residents’ abilities and needs can shift throughout the day, and it’s our responsibility to adapt our approach accordingly.”
According to Christie, PAC not only guides care provision, but also life enrichment for memory care residents at Porter Hills Village. “Our wellness team does a great job incorporating PAC into activities by focusing on what residents can do and adapting programs so everyone can engage meaningfully,” says Christie. “From one-on-one moments like singing favorite songs or walking outside to group programs such as reminiscence sessions, music therapy, gardening, and intergenerational courtyard visits, each activity is tailored to individual abilities—fostering joy and connection at every stage of memory loss.”
As the number of older adults living with dementia in Michigan continues to rise, we recognize that no single organization can meet the growing need alone. That’s why, throughout our communities, we partner with local and community-based organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association’s local chapters, along with providing broader community services to amplify impact and expand support. At Chelsea Retirement Community, team members, residents, and families from across campus came together for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in September. This included fundraisers such as bake sales and plant sales to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association. Towsley Village Social Worker Linda Madden also leads monthly Alzheimer’s support groups for local caregivers, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition, Linda Mammel, Memory Care Program Manager at Chelsea Retirement Community’s Towsley Village Memory Care Center, has been hosting “Getting to Know Dementia,” a series of six free community educational sessions on the Positive Approach to Care (PAC). Linda is PAC certified and has led the Chelsea Retirement Community team in obtaining the Designated Organization accreditation, along with aiding in PAC certification for CRC’s assisted living leaders. These sessions, which have been well attended, are for anyone interested in learning more about the progression of dementia and practical tips for providing the right care and support to loved ones living with the disease. The final session in the six-part series will be held on November 19 in Towsley Village’s All Seasons Room.
Linda shares, “Through better understanding of brain changes that are part of the dementia journey, PAC training helps to preserve positive relationships for both the care partner and the family member with their loved one, providing moments of personal connection and joy.”
Learn more about these trainings, and how you can support older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia at Brio Living Services.
