Chestnut Knoll team walks with purpose to end Alzheimer’s disease

Some people see walking as a low-impact exercise, but others count on their steps to save lives. The Chestnut Knoll team is hoping their strides will lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Under normal circumstances, the team, comprised of staff, caregivers, residents’ families and friends, would be among hundreds of participants at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s held annually at Penn State Berks in Spring Township.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on large in-person gatherings and for the safety of its participants, this year’s walk is everywhere—on sidewalks, tracks and trails.

“We see the impact of Alzheimer’s every day; its what motivates us. Until there’s a cure, we are advocates and educators in the fight against this disease,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director of Chestnut Knoll Personal Care, Memory Care and At Home Services.

The Berks County walk is Oct. 17. Registered participants can livestream the opening and Promise Garden ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The Promise Garden uses colored flowers—blue, purple, yellow and orange—that symbolize participants’ connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Chestnut Knoll will be representing the orange flower, which denotes supporters for the cause and of the Alzheimer’s Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

The Chestnut Knoll team is looking to boost its roster and donations toward their fundraising goal. In honor of the senior living community’s 20th anniversary, the team set a goal of $20,000.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic has curtailed many of our fundraising events and outreach efforts, but it hasn’t stopped the progression of Alzheimer’s,” noted Barndt. “We’re doing what we can to support the Alzheimer’s Association— with help from the public, we can lead the way to Alzheimer’s first survivor!”

Since its inception in 2000, Chestnut Knoll has provided compassionate memory care services to seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The highly structured program focuses on what a person can do, what makes them happy and what instills fulfillment.

“Our caregivers meet our residents and seniors living at home where they are in their journey with this disease. We creatively turn challenges into manageable routines, and help to bring families together again by connecting them to reliable care services,” said Barndt.

For the last 20 years, the senior living community has been steadfast partners with the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter and through various grassroots fundraising efforts from community barbecues, hoagie sales and Party with a Purpose, have—to date—helped raise over $200,000.

Family caregivers and loved ones of those living with Alzheimer’s are invited to attend a free support group. Meetings are currently held online, but there is an option to call in.

If you are interested in joining the walk or for support group information, call 610-473-8066 or to make a donation, visit Chestnut Knoll's team page.

Chestnut Knoll is an award-winning senior community offering Personal Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month lease with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events, and transportation. All residents have access to FOX Optimal Living, an evidence-based continuum of wellness and rehab services. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home Services, available to seniors where they live. This service includes assistance with medication monitoring, personal care, companion care, light housekeeping and laundry, and transportation. For more information on personal care, memory care and home-care services, please call Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.