June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time to honor the millions of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, so does the need for strong, informed advocates who can speak up, take action, and help drive change.

In this article, learn ways you can advocate for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s, from keeping up to date on care and safety advice to participating in fundraisers and awareness events. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, friend, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved.

Educate yourself

Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s begins with understanding the disease itself. Educating yourself can empower you to offer compassionate, informed care while demonstrating to your loved one that you’re committed to helping them. By participating in webinars, workshops, and community events focused on dementia, you can gain insights into the disease’s progression, the behavioral changes you might see, and the emotional challenges your loved one may experience. These programs can also help you connect and build a supportive network with other families in similar circumstances. 

Staying informed about the latest treatments, care strategies, and safety tips is equally important. Research on Alzheimer’s is continually advancing, with new findings that can potentially enhance the quality of life for both you and your loved one. Staying educated will not only help boost your confidence in care decisions but also help ensure that your loved one receives the most current and effective support at every stage of their condition.

Speak up for their needs

Speaking up for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a vital part of being their advocate, especially as their condition progresses and expressing their own needs becomes increasingly difficult. An important way to do this is by maintaining clear and respectful communication with your loved one’s healthcare providers. This process may involve:

• Asking questions
• Sharing observations about changes in their behaviors or symptoms
• Ensuring that all members of their care team are informed about their medical history, routines, and general personality
• Ensuring that their preferences, values, and comfort are prioritized in all their care decisions

Whether it’s discussing treatment options, daily routines, or future care planning, you and your family can help preserve your loved one’s dignity and well-being by communicating clearly and openly with their care providers.

Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s extends beyond day-to-day care. It can also mean standing up for them through advocacy and fundraising efforts that fuel research, support services, and awareness. One powerful way to get involved is by participating in supportive events like the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Held annually in more than 600 communities, these 13-mile walks are some of the world’s largest events dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. The Alzheimer’s walk offers participants a sense of solidarity and hope, as walking alongside others who have been affected by the condition is an emotional and empowering experience. It reminds caregivers and families alike that they’re part of a larger movement working toward a cure.

Many HomeWell agencies across the country participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It’s an important opportunity for HomeWell employees, families, friends, and loved ones to stand together in support of those affected. If you’d like to participate, you can find a walk near you by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association.

Other ways to support the cause

While the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is one of the largest Alzheimer’s advocacy events, there are several other fundraisers, challenges, and activities you can participate in, including:

• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)’s Alzheimer’s Advocacy Days: Typically held in May every year, AFA’s Alzheimer’s Advocacy Days is an event that unites Alzheimer’s care professionals and volunteers across America. Attendees are invited to interact with members of Congress, advocating for public policy advances in Alzheimer’s research, services, and caregiver support.
• The Longest Day by the Alzheimer’s Association: This is an annual fundraising event that takes place on June 20^th, the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. Participants can show their support through sports tournaments, card games, parties, baking, and more. Every activity helps raise funds to advance the care and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
• The Dementia Society of America’s Ride Against Dementia Challenge: This is an annual cycling challenge to bike 100 or more miles throughout the month of May. The event helps raise awareness for dementia and helps fund the nonprofit’s research and life enrichment programs.
• Donation opportunities: When attending an event isn’t possible, simply making a donation to any of the above organizations can have a remarkable and meaningful impact. Your contributions help fund programs that provide education, support, and care to millions of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families. Remember, whether you fundraise, donate, or spread awareness, every contribution leads us closer to a cure!

Take care of yourself, too

While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, it also comes with significant emotional, mental, and physical challenges. That’s why taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful and often overlooked forms of advocacy. When you prioritize your own well-being, you ensure that you have the emotional and physical strength to look after your loved one.

Acknowledging the emotional toll, like feelings of grief, frustration, or exhaustion, isn’t a sign of weakness, but a necessary step in addressing your own needs. When you care for yourself, you are better equipped to advocate for your loved one, making your advocacy more sustainable and impactful over time.

HomeWell is here to help

Advocacy isn’t just about policy—it’s about compassion, connection, and action. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, every effort brings us closer to a world without this disease. If you think a loved one may need compassionate support while navigating their journey through Alzheimer’s, consider tapping into some extra help.

At HomeWell, our trained caregivers are well-equipped to help manage the unpredictable symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia while also providing invaluable emotional support and companionship. Give us a call today to find out if our dementia care services are right for you.