The Thornhill Manor Retirement Village sweetened things this September, World Alzheimer’s Month, with a delicious and meaningful fundraiser.
The village hosted a cupcake sale featuring specially designed treats carrying crucial messages about Alzheimer’s to support those living with dementia and raise awareness about the disease.
“What a lovely day for a cupcake sale it was,” said Jackie Scott, the village’s deputy manager.
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“It was the first Spring Day in years that was not cold.
“A passionate sales team comprising Val Tyrteos, Christine Human, Gretha Pecararo and Yvonne Ciapparelli supported organiser Vicky Keenan.
“Ronnie Mann, a village resident, assisted in transporting residents, tables, and chairs to the Flamingo Shopping Centre in Modderfontein, where the sale took place.”
The 130 beautifully iced cupcakes carrying awareness flags sold out within 90 minutes.
Mark Verhoogt of De Backery and residents Maggie Bold and Yvonne donated the cupcakes.
Vicky, a village resident, qualified occupational therapist, and DIYer, is one person heading up Thornhill Manor’s month-long Alzheimer’s awareness campaign. She used her workshop skills to create themed posters, banners and flags.
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“Her passion to create awareness about the disease is unwavering, and there was a lot of interest and requests from the public to do more awareness drives,” said Karen Griessel, the care co-ordinator at the village.
Alzheimer’s awareness
Village social worker Karen Griessel said forgetting names or appointments occasionally and remembering them later is common.
“While normal age-related changes do not significantly interfere with daily functioning, Alzheimer’s symptoms start to disrupt work, social activities and independent living.
“There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but lifestyle changes can lower the risk and potentially slow its progression,” she said.
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These lifestyle changes include maintaining cardiovascular health, having a healthy diet and exercising.
“Staying mentally and socially active, avoiding smoking, drinking, and dealing with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by getting treatment and support may not cure the disease, but will contribute to improved quality of life,” she added.
