Do you have a loved one or know a friend who has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease? Statistics show it’s likely you do.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain and is estimated to cause dementia in over 6 million Americans, most 65 and older. As the brain deteriorates and neurons lose connections and die —for many reasons still unknown to researchers — cognitive function diminishes, and physical symptoms begin interfering with the quality of daily life. Alzheimer’s is well-known to be a disease that happens in progressive stages. The early stages may include symptoms such as memory loss and a decline in the ability to speak or find words. However, later stages of Alzheimer’s include more debilitating symptoms. Hallucinations, personality changes, and the inability to walk or eat on their own are why many Alzheimer’s patients require hospice. Sadly, Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
Why Purple is a Color of Hope
These facts can make Alzheimer’s disease feel overwhelming, but for many in our Active Home Health & Hospice family, Alzheimer’s disease is much more than statistics or diagnoses. For us, the face of Alzheimer’s is the faces and names of those we serve. We see you daily overcome challenges as a result of this disease, so it’s something that’s near and dear to our hearts as well as those of our patients and their families. Our close connection and understanding of the true impact of Alzheimer’s are why we recognize Purple Tuesdays at Active Home Health, Hospice & Personal Care.
Purple is the color of the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s awareness, care, support, and research. They have helped build a close connection between Alzheimer’s awareness and the color purple in society, so wearing purple on Tuesdays is just one way we show our support for those living with Alzheimer’s, those who care for Alzheimer’s patients, and the ongoing work that is needed to find a cure.
Hear from just a few of our patients and team on recent Purple Tuesdays:
How We Support Alzheimer’s Awareness With Purple Tuesdays
Our entire team wears purple on Tuesdays as they go about their work, leading to more conversations and connections with those who have Alzheimer’s, are caregivers for those who have it, or who simply are curious about what our purple shirts mean. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only bond as a team but help educate or support those around us.
Many on our Active team enjoy the tradition because of how we include our patients and their communities, too. John Mecham says, “Purple Tuesday is a fantastically fun way to promote Alzheimer’s awareness. I have had a great time with many assisted living and senior communities throughout Utah as they enjoyed participating in the purple Tuesday parties promoting Alzheimer’s awareness.”
Kayla Cook likes the opportunities it creates to educate others who may not know about the disease and its impact. “There’s nothing like walking into a room and seeing your friends all in purple supporting the same cause. It creates a team bond and gives opportunities to talk about Alzheimer’s to those who aren’t aware of the disease or how to help support the cause!”
Michelle Dinkins agrees: “The thing I enjoy about Purple Tuesday is that, over time, patients, their families, and the employees of assisted living facilities start noticing that we always wear purple on a certain day. They start asking about it, which then leads to some wonderful conversations about Alzheimer’s, caring for those that have it, and supporting their caregivers.”
Follow Us for More!
For more Purple Tuesday content, or to see what’s happening lately with our Utah home health, hospice, and personal care team, follow us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel. Or, to connect with our team and learn more about our services, give us a call.
