Chestnut Knoll Staff attend Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

The Chestnut Knoll staff is constantly educating themselves on Alzheimer’s disease, to ensure that their residents are cared for in the best way possible. Shawn Barndt, executive director, and Jennelle Jamison, director of the Memory Care Neighborhood, had the opportunity to be among 4,800 researchers from around the world at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) held in Boston, Mass. From July 16-18. This was the biggest Alzheimer’s meeting in the world, with participants from 70 countries.

Barndt and Jamison each have over 15 years of experience in caring for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s. As Executive Director, Barndt has played a crucial role in the care for seniors at Chestnut Knoll for a number of years, and she has a passion for designing programs geared toward those with memory-impairing illnesses. Jamison worked in an adult daycare before coming to Chestnut Knoll, where she is now responsible for the care and services to the residents in the Memory Care Neighborhood.

They both are passionate about their work and caring for seniors, and are always looking for ways to improve and provide their residents with the best care and support in a kind and loving environment. The conference provided them with some extra tools and information on Alzheimer’s, showing the latest studies, theories and discoveries to bring people closer to finding a cure.

“Amongst all the research, we specifically attended a program about translating research into practice,” said Barndt. “The most exciting aspect of the conference for me was not only hearing about research that is on the horizon, but also how to best put to practice the knowledge gained thus far. A big focus of mine was to learn about initiatives we could bring back to Chestnut Knoll and put into place so as to focus on the potential of our residents and continuously improve quality of life.”

 Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death across all ages, and fifth leading for those 65 and older. It is the only fatal disease, of the top 10 fatal diseases, that has no cure and no prevention. Thirty-five million people worldwide suffer from it, including five million Americans.

Chestnut Knoll offers Memory Care to residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The Memory Care Neighborhood is designed specifically for those who suffer from memory impairment, using specially trained staff working with the residents in a secured environment designed to promote independence and socialization through a success-oriented “typical day.”

In addition to attending the conference, Chestnut Knoll has donated over $106,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association, and they host monthly Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Meetings, for families and caregivers to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how to manage the various stages and situations.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference,” said Barndt. “We strive to do everything we can to help our residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s and we’re proud to work with the Alzheimer’s Association in bringing new information and techniques to our community.”

For more information about Chestnut Knoll and how the Memory Care Neighborhood can help you or a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, please call 610-473-8066.

Chestnut Knoll offers Personal Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events and transportation. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home care services available to seniors where they live. For more information on Chestnut Knoll Personal Care, Memory Care, or At Home Services, please call Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.