Hi everyone! My name is Ariana Casella, I am a senior at Swampscott High School, as well as, a Girl Scout of over 10 years! Currently I am embarking on the long journey that is the Girl Scouts Gold Award. The Gold Award is a massive service project with the intention of creating a difference in your community. 

As a Girl Scout I have spent a lot of my time knee deep in volunteer work, but this is so much different than volunteer work which is why I need your help! I plan to volunteer at assisted living facilities in my area and being a sort of companion for the elders, especially those battling dementia. A huge problem in those types of facilities is the lack of socialization and stimulus which can eventually worsen the symptoms of those diseases over time. I know each Assisted Living does take the time to tend to each and every one of their residents, but I understand that it would be impossible to give them all the attention they need and deserve. Of course it is the job of the families to visit and tend to the residents, but in a lot of cases that is not possible due to time restraints and lack of ability. I aim to be their for the elders that don't have the privilege of relative visits.

On a more personal level, my grandmother has Dementia. She has had it for the majority of my life so I have been continuously surrounded by the awful affects of the disease, through my grandmother and through her fellow residents. Those with more regular visits are always much more happy and their Dementia/Alzheimers hasn't progressed as much. Upon doing extensive research on this (find info in the EDUCATE YOURSELF and CONVERSATION TIPS tabs) I found that my hypothesis was true, socialization and stimuli have the ability to lessen the severe effects. It is so important that people realize how in control they truly are over this life altering disease! Thats what intend to educate my volunteer team about. You are in control. Small ripples can always create a tidal wave.