SPOKANE, Wash. – Today is the summer solstice, also known as the longest day, and a local nonprofit is using it to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.
In fact, it was the Alzheimer’s Association that recommended this as a story in the first place. Over the past few years, they have been working closely with the Riverview Retirement Community (RRC) to support those living with Alzheimer’s here in Spokane.
In 2018, RRC built a “Memory Care” building where they only house people living with Alzheimer’s. There is a long, open hallway that connects almost the entire building because workers need to keep their eyes on those who live there, in case there is an emergency and someone needs help at a moment’s notice, which could happen at any time.
Tara Samuel with RRC says working with people living with Alzheimer’s is rewarding but can also be challenging. She says everyone is at a different stage of the disease; some are more cognitive than others and need to be busy all the time, while others need a brain break, so they go with a caregiver into a private room to calm down.
Many residents struggle to hold a train of thought and often repeat themselves.
According to Samuel, part of what makes this disease so difficult is that it is incredibly unpredictable.
“I like to say that every day is a new adventure,” said Samuel. “Because we truly never know what we are walking into…”
Today, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., RRC is having a fundraiser where all proceeds are going to the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be board and lawn games; all you have to do is show up at the front office and ask to get involved.
RRC’s address is 1801 E. Upriver Drive, Spokane, WA 99207.
Click here for more info about the event
