Walk around the Lehigh Valley and you will see people wearing pins and badges to signify their support for a cause or to display an award for an achievement. From military bars to ribbons to baby feet, each badge represents something that is close to the wearer’s heart—something that they want others to know about.
Have you ever seen a blue flower pin being proudly displayed? That badge may be a forget-me-not badge worn by a supporter of Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom.
Alzheimer’s Society is “made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers and clinicians. [They] are the UK’s largest collective force of people with unparalleled knowledge and over 40 years of experience addressing the biggest challenges facing people living with dementia.” The forget-me-not pin is part of their fundraising and awareness efforts.
The forget-me-not is a small blue flower that represents remembrance and has long been associated with dementia. Because people with dementia may experience memory loss, this flower is an appropriate reminder of this condition.
Similar pins are available at Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and other outlets. As a universal symbol, they are not necessarily tied to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal and can be worn by anyone who cares about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Forget-me-not pins and badges are not worn by people with dementia; there are other pins and methods to announce their condition—if they want to. It is best not to assume anything about a person wearing this or a similar pin. If someone with dementia wants to discreetly make their condition known, there are simple and personalized helpcards available for patients and caregivers.
One man who was recently diagnosed with dementia spoke these sad words to his wife, “The worst part is that I will forget who you are.” That can work both ways, between patients and their caregivers. Let’s never forget either one.
Whatever the cause or level of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.