Resources for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness in NEPA

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is recognized every June and highlights the need for awareness, early detection, and lifestyle choices.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older (11%) have Alzheimer’s. This month, we encourage families to learn about the early signs and stages of Alzheimer’s and to discover local resources and support in NEPA.

Griswold Home Care for NEPA is dedicated to helping seniors age safely and comfortably at home. Our mission is to provide compassionate, non-medical support that allows older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life, especially those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive changes. We believe every senior deserves to stay in the place they love, surrounded by familiar memories, family, and community.

Our Caregivers are truly dedicated to making a difference for those living with memory loss or cognitive decline. Whether it’s assisting with daily routines, offering companionship, or providing specialized dementia care, our goal is to bring peace of mind to families and help each individual live life to the fullest, no matter where they are in their journey.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Some early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, and trouble finding words. Recognizing these signs early allows families to seek support and resources sooner, helping loved ones maintain independence as long as possible.

Stages of Alzheimer’s

Early Stage: Mild memory loss and subtle changes in personality or abilities. Individuals may still function independently but may need reminders.

Middle Stage: Noticeable memory and thinking decline, increased confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks. Support with routines and safety is often needed.

Late Stage: Severe memory loss, significant changes in physical abilities, and increased need for care. Individuals may require full-time assistance with personal care and activities of daily living.

There are actions you can take today that can make a meaningful difference in the future. It’s never too early or too late to protect your brain health.

10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends these 10 Healthy Habits, and we’ve included practical tips based on both their guidance and Griswold’s experience supporting seniors in NEPA:

1. Challenge your mind: Try puzzles, crosswords, or learn a new hobby to keep your brain sharp.
2. Stay curious: Take a class, join a book club, or explore new interests.
3. Get moving: Enjoy daily walks, gentle exercise, or chair yoga to boost circulation and brain health.
4. Protect your head: Use handrails and remove home hazards to reduce the risk of falls.
5. Be smoke-free: If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Avoid secondhand smoke, too.
6. Control your blood pressure: Monitor blood pressure and follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
7. Manage diabetes: Keep up with medications, healthy eating, and regular checkups.
8. Eat right: Enjoy a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
9. Maintain a healthy weight: Keep an active lifestyle and make healthy food choices.
10. Sleep well: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Local Resources

Here are some local NEPA resources and programs that offer support, education, and connection for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Luzerne County

Alzheimer’s Association Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: Offers the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Griswold Home Care for NEPA is proud to be involved, as our own Community Liaison, Angela, serves on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s team committee and volunteers with their team. Last year’s walk brought the NEPA community together, and this year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Get involved by registering, volunteering, or donating to support local families facing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association Family and Caregiver Support Group: Offers peer or professionally led groups for Caregivers and others affected by Alzheimer’s disease. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm.

Lackawanna County

Memory Cafe in Clarks Summit: Meets every 2nd and 4th Friday, 10–11:30 a.m at The Gathering Place. This welcoming group is for individuals with memory loss and their care partners, including family, friends, and professionals. Enjoy conversation in a relaxed, supportive environment with activities designed to foster connection.

Dementia Friendly Lackawanna County: Works to create a more inclusive community for people living with dementia, their Caregivers, and families. Attend a free, one-hour Dementia Friends session to learn five key messages and discover simple, practical ways to support those with dementia.

Griswold Can Help

At Griswold Home Care for NEPA, our compassionate Caregivers are specially trained to support individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. We can help by:

• Help with daily routines, medication reminders, and monitoring
• Support with activities of daily living, including meal preparation, hygiene, and mobility
• Companionship and engagement in safe, meaningful activities
• Specialized dementia care and safety oversight

Contact Us for Support

Our knowledgeable team is here to help you navigate resources and find compassionate, reliable care for your family. Click the button below to contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help your loved one age safely and comfortably at home.