Beyond the Ribbon: Honoring Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in Senior Living
June is recognized as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to elevate the conversation around cognitive health and recognize the millions of individuals and families affected by dementia-related diseases.
For senior living professionals, this month holds personal significance. Alzheimer’s is not just a public health issue. It’s something we see firsthand in the faces of residents, caregivers, and loved ones navigating its daily impact. The goal of June isn’t just visibility. It’s meaningful awareness. It’s education. It’s action.
But it also raises a common question: Isn’t Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November? Yes, and both serve distinct purposes.
June vs. November: Understanding the Distinction
- According to Salus Health University, November is officially recognized as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, when fewer than 2 million Americans were living with the disease. Today, that number has grown to over 6.9 million.
- June, promoted by the Alzheimer’s Association as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, is designed to build momentum through education and engagement across all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and more.
So, what is the real difference?
November is centered on national advocacy, caregiver recognition, and large-scale fundraising. It is when the broader healthcare community and public health agencies push for federal research funding, policy change, and systemic awareness.
June is grassroots. It is community-driven and experience-focused. It is about hosting memory-friendly events, offering staff training, starting conversations, and giving families and residents the chance to feel seen and supported in a personal way.
Each month also comes with its own anchor initiatives.
In November, National Family Caregivers Month runs in tandem, recognizing the millions providing unpaid support to loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Giving Tuesday campaigns often include Alzheimer's causes.
In June, the Alzheimer’s Association leads The Longest Day, a global fundraising and awareness campaign held on the summer solstice. Participants host walks, yoga sessions, bake sales, and other activities to honor those facing Alzheimer’s with strength and creativity.
November pushes for systemic change. June invites human connection.
And for senior living teams, that distinction matters. June is when you can show, not just tell, what compassionate, day-to-day dementia support looks like. It is a chance to build internal momentum and external visibility while celebrating your team, residents, and families.
The more we understand the role each month plays, the more we can make both moments meaningful for those we serve and for the people who serve them.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s in Senior Living
According to the JAMA Network, nearly 1 in 2 residents in assisted living and memory care have some form of dementia. And by 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is expected to reach nearly 13 million unless a cure is found.
This means:
- Memory care isn’t a niche—it’s core to your operations.
- Staff training isn’t optional—it’s essential for safety, satisfaction, and trust.
- Families don’t just want a room—they want reassurance, education, and support.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is a chance to show that your community sees the full person behind the diagnosis—and supports the entire family journey.
Ways Operators Can Honor June
This isn’t about purple balloons and hashtags. It’s about creating meaningful touchpoints that educate, connect, and comfort.
1. Host an Educational Event for Families
Bring in a local neurologist, gerontologist, or Alzheimer’s Association representative for an in-person or virtual talk. Topics might include:
- Recognizing early signs of dementia
- Navigating care transitions
- Legal and financial planning
2. Wear Purple & Share Stories
Invite staff and residents to wear purple throughout the month and share personal stories or tributes. Create a “Faces of Alzheimer’s” photo board in your lobby to honor those impacted.
3. Memory-Friendly Engagement
Host a sensory-based activity open to the public—like lavender sachet making, music therapy, or art for memory. These events are low-pressure and high-impact for families with early-stage loved ones.
4. Provide Staff Micro-Training
A short, 15-minute refresher on redirecting techniques, communication tips, or dementia-related behaviors shows staff that this month isn’t just about symbolism—it’s about strengthening their skills.
5. Support the Cause
Use this month to start your team’s fundraising efforts for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fall. Set up a table with donation options, sign-up sheets, and progress tracking. Make it visible and fun.
Make It Matter: Internally and Externally
This month is also a reminder: Your Alzheimer’s programming is part of your brand.
Prospective families are watching. So are referral partners, physicians, and the wider public. And they’re not just asking, “Do you offer memory care?” They’re asking, “Do you understand it? Are you invested in it? Can I trust you with my loved one?”
Public-facing awareness activities, staff development, and family support aren’t just good practices. They’re part of building a reputation rooted in compassion and competency.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is a chance to slow down, look closer, and ask what more we can do for those living with dementia—and for the people who love and care for them.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your memory care message, align your teams, or elevate your visibility during this month and beyond, we’re here to help.
Entyre Solutions: Elevating Memory Care with Purpose
At Entyre Solutions, we understand that exceptional memory care begins with a deep understanding of people, their stories, their needs, and the trust their families place in your team. Our work is rooted in helping senior living communities not only meet the complex needs of individuals living with dementia, but also communicate that expertise with clarity and compassion.
Our services are designed to strengthen your operations, empower your teams, and elevate the visibility of the care you provide every day.
Through tailored consulting and marketing strategies, we help communities:
Build Trust Through Education
Offer families meaningful resources and transparent communication that reflect your commitment to compassionate, informed memory care.
Enhance Visibility and Brand Reputation
Position your community as a leader in dementia support through storytelling, targeted campaigns, and public-facing awareness efforts.
Support Teams with Practical Tools
Develop staff education, tour alignment, and internal messaging strategies that improve consistency, boost confidence, and reduce turnover.
Create Engaging Moments that Matter
Implement programming and events that go beyond awareness to strengthen daily experiences for residents, families, and staff alike.
Memory care is never one-size-fits-all and neither is our approach. Whether you're looking to build trust with prospective families, refresh your memory care message, or give your teams the tools they need to thrive, Entyre Solutions is here to help.
📞 Let’s talk about how we can support your next step: https://entyresolutions.com/contact-us