Building Support Through Caring and Sharing

Ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, we pause to bring attention to the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. These conditions go much further than the people living with them, it affects their families, friends, and care teams who support them every day. At Shannex, we recognize the strength of residents and their loved ones, and we’re grateful for the caring team members who create comfort and connection in meaningful ways. 

This year, we had the chance to sit down with Cynthia “Cindy” Marble, a dedicated team member who co-founded the Caring and Sharing Group at Parkstone Enhanced Care. This group is a welcoming space where families of residents affected by dementia can come together, share their experiences, and know they’re not alone. 

Cindy has over 37 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working at several Shannex locations. Now, as a Practice Resource Nurse, Cindy teaches things like the Gentle Persuasive Approach and the 8A’s of dementia, helping families and team members learn how to better connect and communicate with residents living with dementia. 

When asked what message she would share with families of people affected by dementia, Cindy said, “People with dementia may change, but they are still people who want to be loved, they still need to be cared for, and they still have needs. They may just not know how to tell you”. 

Cindy’s words remind us of the importance of compassion, patience, and understanding in the journey of dementia care. We support and advocate for individuals living with dementia, their families, and the dedicated team members, like Cindy, who make a difference every day. Together, through support and shared experiences, we can continue to build communities of care where no one faces dementia alone.