Still Seen with Alzheimer’s Disease

It was a flurry of glitter and silk. Beautiful dresses, dashing tuxedos, a star-studded red carpet– it was the Academy Awards. “What are you wearing?” Is the question that everyone asks and wants to know as the stars pause to list the designer’s name and the hundreds of hours it took to make the exquisite gown. The days and weeks that follow will feature the best and worst dressed from the event. The star’s fashion choice will follow every career move for years to come. On Sunday night, I, like most of the world, paused to watched the hoopla, giving my opinion of this outfit choice and that outfit choice, my living room turned into a mini episode of Fashion Police. But, as the night progressed a hashtag emerged that caught my attention, the hashtag “Ask Her More” (#askhermore).

The idea supported by actress Reese Witherspoon, encourages reporters to ask celebrities about more than just what they are wearing. As the cameras center on Julianne Moore, I am so grateful that they asked her more.

Julianne Moore took home the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Still Alice. She plays a professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Her talents are used to bring a voice to a disease that is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. In her words, “I’m so happy – I’m thrilled actually that we were able to hopefully shine a light on Alzheimer’s disease. So many people with this disease feel isolated and marginalized and one of the wonderful things about movies is it makes us feel seen and not alone. And people with Alzheimer’s deserve to be seen, so that we can find a cure.”

“People with Alzheimer’s deserve to be seen,” to be treated with dignity and respect, to be cared for in a way that safeguards their independence. At Preferred Care at Home, we agree with Julianne Moore, that those that suffer from Alzheimer’s deserve to be seen. One way we can accomplish that goal is by asking them more. This means we listen a lot. Listen to our senior clients; listen to family members. We listen to the concerns, the questions, the fears. We listen so we can provide the unique care that each family needs. Alzheimer’s disease takes a devastating toll on those who suffer from the disease and especially the family members. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than one-third of Alzheimer’s and Dementia caregivers report symptoms of depression and nearly 60 percent rate emotional stress as high or very high.

As home care providers, we believe our role is to support the client and family of those who suffer. We do this by providing reliable, compassionate and affordable care.

People with Alzheimer’s deserve to be seen. If you have questions about our Alzheimer’s and dementia care contact a location near you to learn more.