In 1982, when a few concerned people banded together to form a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, it was estimated that approximately 9,000 people in Orange County suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Today, 60,000 Orange County residents are currently affected by Alzheimer's disease, or at high risk of developing it.
The story of Orange County's involvement with the fight against Alzheimer's disease really began when the chapter founder, Joan Dashiell, went back to her home state to visit her mother for the holidays. She found a confused, disoriented woman who had to be bathed, dressed and diapered. Her mother didn't recognize her. Joan's mother, who we now know had Alzheimer's disease, could not be left alone. Joan was a wife and mother of two teen-agers. She brought her mother back to her own home to care for her and to find out about this mysterious, debilitating disease. Little was known about it at the time; Joan's search for answers parallels the evolution of the chapter.
As she found tentative solutions to her needs, she gathered experts together to share what she had learned. One winter evening, more than 60 people stood in line in the rain to attend the first educational meeting in early 1982. That was the year the Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter was born. From her living room, the Chapter grew to offices located in a church in Costa Mesa before moving to its current location in Irvine, California.
The mission Joan and her founding board established is still vital today. The Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter is a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to increasing public awareness, providing support and assistance for patients and families of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, and to supporting research for the cause and cure of Alzheimer's disease. Led by the Board of Directors the Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter carries out its mission in the following ways:
- Patient and family services to aid present and future victims and caregivers of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
- Advocacy for improved public policy and needed legislation.
- Education and increasing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease.
- Funding research into the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders via our relationship with our national office.
Alzheimer's disease is the disease of today and the future. It is incurable. Frightening. Fatal. It kills the brain slowly--one cell at a time--day after day--year after year. Stated simply, we educate and advocate.
We educate family members, professionals and the public about this devastating disease and the care it requires; about the incredible financial cost to the family and to society; and about available community resources.
We advocate for compassionate care, for safety of the patient, for improvements in long-term care, and for research into the cause and cure of Alzheimer's disease.
Standing By The Community - Services And Support of the Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter
As an affiliated member of the National Alzheimer's Association, our Chapter represents the local direct services link with the community and the patients and families who need our care and support. The Chapter is committed not only to integrating the national initiatives of legislative advocacy and research into its priorities, but also to design and develop local programs which will meet the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who have this disease and their families.
The following is a summary of some of the key features and services provided by the Alzheimer's Association of Orange County designed to fulfill our mission:
- Expertise to respond to and provide information on all aspects of Alzheimer's disease through Helpline calls, in-service training for care facilities, educational seminars, workshops and community forums annually.
- Resources to provide information on all topics relating to Alzheimer's disease: from research to caregiving; legal issues, diagnosis and all topics along the continuum of care.
- Dedication to cooperate and collaborate with other organizations and care providers committed to making a difference in the lives of those who cope with Alzheimer's dementia in order to improve services, quality of care and quality of life.
- Provide hands-on services such as: Family Connections care consultation, early-stage patient support group and multi-cultural education and support.
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