The Kensington Reston is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a special 1-hour event on September 22nd with the author, actress, activist, and Alzheimer’s advocate Patti Davis.
During this event, Patti Davis will share her reflections and guidance from her and her family’s journey, their experiences, and offer advice to fellow caregivers.
The Kensington Reston believes that our resident’s families can relate to the exhaustion and isolation Patti Davis felt during her time as a caregiver, and maybe even find her journey inspirational.
Continue reading below to learn more about our partnership Patti Davis and our assisted living and memory care communities.
Patti Davis and Her 10-year Caregiver Journey
In addition to being a successful author, actress, and Alzheimer’s advocate, Patti Davis is the daughter of former President Ronald Reagon.
Patti Davis admits that she wasn’t very close to her father until after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994.
During her time as his caregiver, she learned much about her father’s essence and soul. While a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia may lose their memories and ability to care for themselves, their spirit remains intact.
In 2004, Reagan passed, and Patti Davis’ caregiver journey ended, but her passion for supporting those with Alzheimer’s and their families did not.
Much like The Kensington Reston, Patti Davis recognizes caregivers often go neglected and have difficulty finding care, support, and advice.
With over 6 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease, there is a significant need for caregivers and caregiver support.
How she serves as an inspiration for families and caregivers
After Reagon passed, Patti Davis reflected on her days as a caregiver, and while rewarding, she also thought about the complex and lonely journey it was.
She decided she wanted to use her experiences and knowledge to help others feel less alone, which inspired her to write two books, “Floating in the Deep End: How Caregivers Can See Beyond Alzheimer’s” and “The Long Goodbye: Memories of My Father.”
Patti Davis and The Kensington Reston believe these books and her support group Beyond Alzheimer’s have the power to help others feel less alone and misunderstood during their journey.
They may even help them cope with the changes that occur when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Her free support group meets weekly and gives caregivers a safe place to discuss their feelings, share their experiences, and offer each other advice.
The role of a caregiver is challenging, especially when a loved one’s memory disease progresses.
We want you to know that support is within reach, and you are not alone. There are others who understand your journey, resources to help, and communities to help you and your loved one live a better and more fulfilling life.
How The Kensington Reston devotes to supporting residents and caregivers
We have comfortable suites available for seniors in all stages of their life and memory disease. Due to our enhanced communities and services, we can accommodate and support even those with the highest care needs.
Our residents’ health and happiness are important to us, which is why we invite families to share meals for free with their senior loved ones in our elegant dining room.
Spouses, children, grandchildren, and even pets can come in for a visit to help brighten their loved one’s day.
For spouses, we offer companion living so that couples can remain close to one another.
There is never a dull moment in our communities, as residents have opportunities to participate in daily activities and even go on outings 2-3 times a week.
With our help and support, we hope residents’ families and caregivers can get the break and peace of mind they deserve.
For caregivers, we recommend checking out our informative hub, Kensington Konnect, to find fun and entertaining resources.
The decision to move to a community and benefits for a caregiver
Our dedicated team members are trained in the services needed to give our assisted living and memory care residents the best support and care.
We hope this helps you and your loved one feel more comfortable and confident in their transition to community senior living.
We hold Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own by ensuring they have around-the-clock care, individualized care plans, and everything they need to age in place healthfully.
When the time comes to transition your senior loved one, it can be emotional for you and your family, but sharing your caregiver responsibilities with care experts is beneficial for you and your loved one.
Your loved one can maintain and improve their health, by engaging in life-enrichment activities, rehabilitation services, wellness programs, and eating a healthy diet.
Accepting support gives you and your family the time you need to engage in self-care and work while still having the opportunity to be with your loved one as often as you would like.
A community that supports residents and their families
The Kensington Reston is an enhanced assisted living and memory care community located in Reston, Virginia.
With a golf course, lake, restaurants, and shopping centers close by, our residents can maintain their independence and experience the things that they love, all while staying safe.
To help our residents age in place and their families feel comfortable with sharing their caregiver responsibilities, we offer:
- On-site licensed nurses
- Medication administration, including injections
- Rehabilitation with HealthPro Heritage
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- A calendar full of life-enrichment activities
- Exquisite dining services
- Speciality diets
- Three levels of memory care:
- The Kensington Day Club
- Connections
- Haven
- Pocket Programming
If you are interested in joining us for our special event with Patti Davis, and learning more about her caregiver journey, RSVP here.
Contact us to learn more about our communities, enhanced services, amenities, and caregiver resources.