
Episode #436
Explore the Mackenzie Meet Alzheimer's Community
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Alder Allensworth as guest to the show to share the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Community. About Alder Allensworth, Co-Founder of Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's: Alder Allensworth, MM, RN, is a registered nurse and retired hospice counselor who supported families caring for loved ones with dementia at the end of life. Her professional background spans working with both children and older adults, including those living with Alzheimer's disease. The inspiration for this project grew from Alder's personal experience witnessing her mother, who had Alzheimer's, connect meaningfully with her grandchildren—Alder's nieces and nephews. This powerful family experience, combined with her clinical work, deepened her commitment to helping families navigate dementia with compassion, creativity, and connection. Alder is also an accomplished writer, having published several articles in professional journals and books. As a speaker and presenter in the field of disabilities, she has shared her insights on local, national, and international stages. Her advocacy and dedication to promoting quality of life for people with disabilities have been featured on CNN, as well as in international media and local news outlets. About Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's: The Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Program (MMAP) is a family-centered multimedia educational program created to help children, parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals better understand and navigate Alzheimer's disease together. Designed especially for families in the "sandwich generation," MMAP provides practical guidance, age-appropriate education, and meaningful activities that help children stay connected with a loved one living with Alzheimer's—from diagnosis through the severe stage of the disease. At the heart of MMAP is the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Awareness Program (MMAAP), a 5-video educational series that explains the different stages of Alzheimer's while also providing guidance for adults who are simultaneously raising children and caring for an aging loved one. The program includes: • A 5-video educational series covering the stages of Alzheimer's • Guidance for parents and caregivers helping children understand the disease • Simple, meaningful activities children can do with their loved one • A quick-reference guide and video transcripts • Accessible audio and visual resources for different learning needs • An online community component offering additional connection and support One of the most important goals of MMAAP is helping children understand Alzheimer's in ways that are appropriate for their age—while showing them that even as the disease progresses, there are still opportunities to connect, interact, and create meaningful moments with the person they love. The program is complemented by the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Disease Picture Book, a gentle, child-friendly introduction to Alzheimer's that follows a young girl as she learns to understand and remain connected with her grandmother throughout the progression of the disease. The book also includes a QR code providing access to a free Story Song download. The lyrics of the song are the text of the book, creating an engaging and memorable learning experience for young children, early readers, and families. MMAP can also serve as a valuable educational resource for Adult Day Centers and Memory Care Communities. The ready-to-use program gives organizations a structured way to educate and support families, proactively answer common questions, and provide families with resources they can return to throughout their caregiving journey—allowing staff to devote more time to care, engagement, and meaningful connection. Ultimately, the Mackenzie Meets Alzheimer's Program goes beyond explaining the disease. It helps families understand what is happening, gives children a meaningful role in the caregiving journey, and provides families with tools to preserve relationships, create positive memories, and remain connected throughout Alzheimer's and other dementias.






