Chestnut Knoll Staff attend 2015 Alzheimer's Association International Conference

At Chestnut Knoll, the staff is very passionate about caring for residents and using the latest information and techniques that will help seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. Chestnut Knoll Personal Care and Memory Care staff members, Shawn Barndt, executive director, and Jennelle Jamison, director of the Memory Care Neighborhood, had the opportunity to be among thousands of researchers from around the world at the 2015 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) held in Washington D.C., from July 18-23.

Barndt and Jamison 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.

“It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by such high-caliber professionals from around the world,” said Barndt. “What struck me most was the tag line by the Alzheimer’s Association ‘The Brains Behind Saving Your Brain’ at the conference. It was a powerful message about the importance of the work that all of these individuals are diligently pouring their hearts and souls into.”

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.

“It was an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand about studies and trials, as well as network with others who are working so hard to find a cure to this terrible disease,” said Barndt. “Jennelle and I were both very honored to have been able to attend and are thrilled to work at a community, such as Chestnut Knoll, that is supportive of our professional learning and growth. We are excited to share much of what we learned with our staff and our support group members, as we brought back some great tips and training tools!”

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 since their opening in 2000, and she has a passion for designing programs geared toward those with memory-impairing illnesses. Jamison has been with Chestnut Knoll for just under four years; prior to that, she worked in an adult daycare. At Chestnut Knoll, she is responsible for the care and services to the residents in the Memory Care Neighborhood.

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 $133,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association. The amount they have raised continues to rise, and they have been the top fundraising team for the Lehigh/Berks Walk to End Alzheimer’s for many years. Chestnut Knoll also hosts monthly Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers to learn more about Alzheimer’s 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, transportation, and a state-of-the-art wellness program that provides ongoing therapy services, regardless of insurance coverage. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home care services available to seniors where they live. Services include assistance with medication monitoring, personal care, companion care, light housekeeping and laundry, and transportation, to name a few. 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.