VoA Foundation Newsletter
January Issue:
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Start Fresh in January: Simple Tips to Find Balance After the Holidays!
How Do You Recharge After the Holidays?
Alzheimer’s Resources
About the VoA Foundation
Get in Touch!
About the VoA Foundation
We are proud to introduce the VoA Foundation, an educational initiative born from Voices of Alzheimer’s. Our organization, led by individuals living with Alzheimer's, is on a mission to transform the landscape of Alzheimer's care and understanding.
Through the VoA Foundation, we aspire to eradicate stigma, champion equality, and craft educational resources that shed light on cutting-edge innovations in care and treatment. Our vision? A world in which individuals grappling with Alzheimer's and other cognitive illnesses can embrace a life filled with well-being and joy.
Start Fresh in January:
Simple Tips to Find Balance After the Holidays
The holiday season brings moments of joy and connection, but it can also disrupt routines, leaving caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s feeling drained. As the decorations come down and life settles, January offers a perfect opportunity to reset, prioritize rest, and re-establish familiar rhythms. Whether it’s nourishing the body with healthy meals, finding time to relax, or gently easing back into daily routines, taking small acts of care can help restore balance and offer much-needed comfort.
Let’s step into the new year refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead with these practical, easy-to-implement tips!
Alzheimer’s Resources
At the VoA Foundation, we are committed to providing valuable resources and support to those affected by Alzheimer's and other cognitive illnesses. We have compiled the best resources from leading Alzheimer’s organizations to provide the most comprehensive expertise for those living with the disease and their loved ones. Our subject areas include:
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Questions? Want to get in touch? Email us at voa-foundation@voicesofad.com.
1. Re-establish Daily Routines
Consistency is key. Reintroduce familiar schedules; set mealtimes and comforting morning or evening rituals to help restore stability and calm for both you and your loved one. These small routines provide a sense of security and reduce stress.
2. Ease Back into Everyday Spaces
Take a gradual approach to removing holiday decorations and transition gently into a more peaceful, organized environment. By easing into your post-holiday routine, you can create a calm atmosphere that everyone can feel comfortable in.
3. Prioritize Rest and Sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for both caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s. Create a soothing bedtime routine, with dim lighting, calming music, or a warm beverage, to help everyone wind down and improve sleep quality.
4. Focus on Nourishing Habits
Now is the perfect time to refocus on healthy eating. Choose balanced, nutrient-rich meals and stay hydrated. These habits not only boost energy and support overall wellness, but they also help maintain brain health and emotional stability.
5. Make Time for Self-Care
Self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. Whether it’s taking a short walk, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a favorite calming activity, make sure you carve out time to recharge. Your well-being is vital to providing the best care for your loved one.
By embracing these small, intentional steps, you can set a positive and restorative tone for the months ahead, creating a foundation of balance and well-being for both you and your loved one.
How Do You Recharge After the Holidays?
And you? What simple routines or self-care practices help you find balance after the holiday season? Whether it’s a special tradition, a favorite relaxation method, or a small act of kindness you do for yourself, we’d love to hear what works for you! Your insights could inspire others on their journey to reset and recharge.
Supporting Travelers with Hidden Disabilities:
United Airlines Joins the Sunflower Program
The VoA Foundation is proud to celebrate United Airlines as the first U.S. airline to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, set to launch in Spring 2025. This transformative initiative is designed to support individuals with non-visible disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease, by providing a discreet way to communicate their needs. Travelers can wear a sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband, or sticker, alerting airline staff to provide extra assistance, understanding, or time.