The Longest Day fundraiser for Alzheimer’s is an annual event held by the Alzheimer’s Association on June 20, signifying the summer solstice and the year’s longest day. This top Alzheimer’s fundraiser aims to illuminate the darkness of dementia by encouraging individuals to engage in various senior memory care activities on the longest and brightest day of the year.
The economic cost of Alzheimer’s disease is staggering. In the United States alone, the total payments for healthcare, long-term care and hospice care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2050.
The significance of The Longest Day fundraiser is all about light, based on the summer solstice. By bringing light to the darkness of the disease, participants raise money for the worthy cause, funding research for Alzheimer’s disease while also providing resources for those navigating dementia-related conditions.
The Alzheimer’s Association supports independent researchers around the globe through its International Research Grant Program. Currently, the Association has allocated over $405 million to more than 1,100 active projects across 56 countries on 6 continents. These grants have facilitated some of the most pivotal research in Alzheimer’s and dementia science. The Longest Day total from 2023 was a whopping $12 million for this sole event, and this year, The Alzheimer’s Association is looking to top that.
By investing in Alzheimer’s research, we can work toward breakthroughs that reduce the overall cost of care, enhance the quality of life for patients and their families, and create more sustainable healthcare systems. Financial support for Alzheimer’s research is an investment in a healthier, more financially stable future.
Alzheimer’s Support at Anthology Communities
At Anthology memory care neighborhoods, memory care team members develop special, close-knit relationships with each resident, providing exceptional support, respect and companionship. By learning about each resident’s family, background, hobbies and values, caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring that your loved one’s life remains vibrant and meaningful by integrating senior living and memory care.
These neighborhoods are thoughtfully designed to evoke feelings of home. Personal photos and keepsakes are showcased on memory displays outside each private suite, fostering a feeling of familiarity. Every detail in an Anthology community is cherished, including the dining experience, which features residents’ favorite foods for added comfort and familiarity.
Anthology’s memory care program incorporates six facets of well-being: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and environmental. It offers comprehensive memory care programs and daily activities that are customized to the residents’ interests and adaptable schedules. These activities aim to enrich their lives, instill tranquility and foster a sense of purpose.
Caregivers in each community undergo specialized training in senior memory care, along with mandatory annual safety training. These specialized caregivers deliver seamless memory care programs, incorporating the latest smart technology and comprehensive electronic health records.
Safety and security are paramount in senior memory care, and Anthology neighborhoods offer personalized outdoor spaces that enable residents to connect with and enjoy nature. Enhanced security measures, including keypad access and real-time location systems, accommodate the changing abilities of residents, promoting independence while ensuring safety and security within the community.
Activities for The Longest Day
Anthology communities all over the nation are planning The Longest Day fundraisers and events, incorporating fun senior memory care programs to take advantage of the collaborative effort on June 20.
This year, The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association are appealing to individual donors – encouraging people to use whatever talents and hobbies that they already have to inspire others and raise dementia awareness and funds for the organization.
For example, if baking, throwing parties or participating in bridge tournaments are some of your favorite hobbies, commit to an individual goal and invite friends and family to support you to raise money and dementia awareness about memory care programs and ongoing research. The Alzheimer’s Association has made it even easier to plan, brainstorm and donate through their corresponding app for cell phones!
These are some of the best fundraisers to do because donors would rather contribute to a personal face and person that they know and trust before handing over contributions to a company directly.
The Future of Alzheimer’s Research
Raising money for Alzheimer’s research is crucial because the disease poses a significant and growing public health challenge. Alzheimer’s affects millions of people worldwide, leading to progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and ultimately, the inability to perform daily activities.
As the global population ages, the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is expected to rise dramatically. This increase places a substantial burden on families, caregivers and healthcare systems. By funding research, we can support the development of better diagnostic tools, treatments and potentially a cure, which would alleviate the immense personal and societal impact of the disease.
Supporting Alzheimer’s research is an act of compassion and hope. Many families witness the heartbreaking progression of the disease in their loved ones, feeling powerless as they see the person they knew slowly disappear. Raising funds for research not only fuels scientific progress but also provides a sense of solidarity and hope for these families.
This annual event sends a powerful message that friends, family and seniors who are affected by dementia are not alone in their struggle and that the global community is committed to finding innovative solutions and a cure. Every dollar raised brings us closer to understanding Alzheimer’s disease and ultimately eradicating it, offering hope for future generations.
Anthology Senior Living encourages individuals, families and teams to support The Longest Day fundraiser this year. Join a global team or your local community, or fundraise on your own. Every dollar counts toward outshining the darkness of dementia on The Longest Day.
Want to find an Anthology community near you and participate in The Longest Day fundraiser? Find your community here or contact us today.