Let your community know that #ALZwellathome

While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented immense challenges for all of us, it has been especially stressful for more than 120,000 Wisconsinites living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association has always been a respected leader in providing critical care, education and support for families impacted by dementia. But given these uncertain times, we searched for a unique way to empower our constituents to virtually support, be creative and connect with each other where they lived.

Through a statewide social media campaign, we encouraged people to spread hope, happiness and cheer by decorating their front door, windows, sidewalks, treebanks, patio or any outside spot and use #Alzwellathome to show their support for caregivers and those living with the disease. The outcome has been even more inspiring than originally anticipated. Not only did neighbors connect with neighbors, but our loved ones at memory care facilities joined us to channel their positive energy through creative projects that filled their hearts.

Individuals with cognitive challenges don’t always grasp the new normal of social distancing. They don’t understand why their extended family or friends can no longer visit. Caregivers have become isolated and without options for respite. But like the rest of us living in this pandemic, they do the best they can. And through the mediums of chalk, construction paper, crayons, t-shirts and pinwheel flowers, these individuals and their extended families and friends are letting others know that #ALZwellathome.