In the greater Cincinnati area alone, more than 55,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and that number is expected to triple in the next generation. 

Are you concerned about your own health, or that of a spouse, parent, or friend living in the greater Cincinnati area? We’ve compiled some resources that offer answers – and hope – for those who are looking for memory care solutions.

Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati

A resource for Greater Cincinnati for more than 40 years, this Alzheimer's Association chapter covers dozens of counties in southern Ohio, southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

The organization’s website offers a bounty of resources, including lists of local memory care providers, a symptom assessment, tips on topics such as home safety, and specialized resources for people from marginalized groups who need memory support, including the LGBTQ and Native American communities. You’ll also find opportunities for volunteering and information about events that fund research and services.

In addition, the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati runs a 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900, as well as a live chat. Experts in the field staff both. Here you can get real-time answers about symptoms, treatment options, finding residential or other types of memory care support, and how to file legal and financial documents for yourself or a loved one.

Giving Voice Foundation

The Giving Voice Foundation believes that there are “three pillars” to aiding memory care in the Cincinnati area: storytelling, fundraising, and education/advocacy.

For the storytelling aspect, seniors have a chance to participate in interviews, with their words and photographs going into an online gallery. GVF notes that “Alzheimer’s disease often steals away the stories and the voice of older adults,” adding, “We seek to find unique ways to tell the inspiring stories of older adults in the Cincinnati community.”

Fundraising is often conducted through exciting events like “Brews for Brains” and “Mimosas for Memories.” In this way, local businesses provide the venue and the “goodies,” and proceeds go toward GVF’s work while also letting supporters get to know one another and learn more about the need for memory support.

The Foundation’s education and advocacy work happens in various ways, including creating programs that help to support the role of caregivers and ongoing public awareness projects. Giving Voice also partners with other agencies for projects such as the “Purposeful Planning Program,” which helps families of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia make specific decisions.

Deupree House Caregiver Support Group

Sponsored by Deupree House, our sister campus, the Deupree Support Group meets every second Wednesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Deupree House in Hyde Park, OH. 

Of course, spouses or adult children who are currently taking care of a loved one with dementia are welcome to attend. In addition, concerned friends and family members can also participate, regardless of whether they are literally taking care of someone with cognitive loss. The group focuses on emotional support, as well as information for those researching memory support services and/or retirement community options.

The support group is coordinated with Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio and the Caregiver Assistance Network.

Dementia Inclusive Cincinnati

This organization is a joint project of the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati, the City of Cincinnati, and our own Episcopal Retirement Services. The top priority of the group is to make Cincinnati the most dementia-inclusive city in the country by 2025. In fact, LeadingAge Ohio recently gave the organization its prestigious Aging Service Impact Award.

Among the goals Dementia Inclusive Cincinnati are working toward are:

• Consulting on new building projects or renovations that promote “wayfinding” – in other words, giving better clues for people with dementia or other cognitive issues to navigate public spaces better.
• Providing training for restaurant and other hospitality staff to learn dementia-friendly practices.
• Providing training for fire and police personnel to learn how to handle situations involving seniors with cognitive loss issues.
• Advocating for more emotional and financial support for caregivers who often lose money while taking care of their loved one.

Marjorie P. Lee Memory Care

At Marjorie P. Lee, our dedicated staff has developed a number of memory support programs to help residents better cope with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Along with specially-designed and staffed memory care households for people with differing levels of need, we offer individualized therapies. Our Living Well Memory Care Support program includes:

• Music therapy
• Therapeutic rhythm sessions with percussion instruments
• Art therapy
• Special software providing stimulating games, puzzles and entertainment
• SAIDO learning sessions, which provide one-on-one exercises to stimulate the prefrontal cortex.

Contact us today to learn more about memory care and/or retirement community options at Marjorie P. Lee, or to learn more about how we advocate for the needs of seniors in the Cincinnati area.