Autumn Leaves in Crystal Lake hosts open house Nov. 8
Alzheimer's touches the lives of many families in Illinois--1 out of 3 is affected by it. Even though many of us have loved ones living with Alzheimer's or dementia, it is nearly impossible to imagine what they go through every day. Autumn Leaves of Crystal Lake, 495 Alexandra Blvd., is opening its doors to show the public what dementia feels like on November 8th at 10 a.m.
The in-depth, interactive experience called “Through the Alzheimer's Looking Glass” will allow caregivers, families and the public go through a series of sensory deficits to simulate a loss of cognitive function. By wearing various items over their hands, feet, ears and eyes, and performing tasks in a particular order in a dark room, participants will gain a physical understanding of Alzheimer's. Memory care experts will be on hand to discuss help participants process what occurred.
“It is an incredible, eye-opening experience that truly helped me understand what
people living with dementia go through every day,” said Judy Romo, community relations director, Autumn Leaves of Crystal Lake. “It brought everything into
perspective, and I feel like I got to walk in our residents' shoes. The experience will make you stop and think, and it will help you to create a new way to communicate with a loved one.”
“For someone living with dementia, everyday tasks can be frightening and overwhelming,” said Brad Jacobsen, regional sales director, Constant Care Family Management, the property management company for Autumn Leaves memory care communities. “It is hard to truly understand what dementia feels like until you go through the Virtual Dementia Experience. All of our employees have experienced it, and everyone seems to be surprised at how challenging it can be. People typically leave saying, 'Now I understand what it feels like.'”
The event will include two virtual dementia sessions, and a Q&A forum with memory care experts. The event is free and includes a buffet lunch.
Schedule of Events:
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Virtual Dementia Experience
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Complimentary Lunch, and Educational Presentation/Q & A with Autumn Leaves memory care experts
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Virtual Dementia Experience
To R.S.V.P. or for more information about the event, call Judy Romo at 815-459-7800.
ABOUT AUTUMN LEAVES
Family owned and operated, Autumn Leaves communities combine a warm, home-like environment with the highest quality memory care available. Specialized in every aspect, Autumn Leaves memory care residences are focused on meeting residents' emotional, physical, social and nutritional needs in a home-like environment. With Autumn Leaves communities open or under construction in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicagoland, Tulsa, and Atlanta, we are growing at a smart, steady pace. For more information on Autumn Leaves of Crystal Lake, visit our website at AutumnLeaves.com or call 815-459-7800.