Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - February 2026

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 6 | C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H 1 3 “Back then, they didn’t have day centers like this,” Chris recalled. “If they had, it would have been a game changer. It’s not just about care, it’s about giving people dignity and keeping families together.” Pallas has watched public understanding evolve dramatically over the years. “There’s much more awareness now,” she said. “We work closely with law enforcement, first responders, and even dispatchers to make sure people with dementia are treated safely and respectfully.” Her team helped pioneer both Florida’s Silver Alert system and the Lost on Foot program, which helps locate missing individuals with cognitive impairments. “We realized there was a bigger issue — people wandering from home. We worked with law enforcement to create ID locator bracelets that use radio frequency technology. If someone goes missing, responders can find them quickly. We’ve saved lives that way.” But Pallas says it’s more than just about safety; it’s about changing perception. “The biggest misconception is that someone with dementia doesn’t have value. Just because they repeat stories doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be heard. They still deserve dignity and a voice.” Education, she added, is key. Not just for the public, but for those entrusted with caring for the participants. Every staff member receives specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia training upon hire and continues learning throughout the year. “We teach everything from body mechanics to understanding behavioral cues,” Pallas explained. “You become a detective of body language. Sometimes they say they have a headache, but it’s the only word they can remember for pain.” For everyone at Alzheimer’s Community Care, from the CEO to the aides leading bingo and song circles, the work is about more than treatment. It’s about recognizing the humanity that endures long after a diagnosis. “They still have so much to offer,” Pallas said. “They just need to be seen, heard, and supported.” To learn more about ACC’s services, visit https:// www.alzcare.org or call (561) 683-2700. Hearts of Hope 30th Anniversary Luncheon Celebrating 30 Years of Alzheimer's Community Care Friday, February 6, 2026 ll:00am-l:30pm The Addison of Boca Raton Alzheimer's Community Care (ACC) invites you to an elegant afternoon celebrating three de c ades of service, support, and strength. Reserve your seat at: ticketstripe.com/ACC-2026-Hearts-of-Hope Honoring Pamela Higer-Polani, inaugural recipient Elegant daytime attire encouraged. Guests are invited to wear shades of red or pink in celebration of the Hearts of Hope theme. Guest s are al s o invited to enjoy Shop with Heart, a curated pop - up boutique marketpla c e , with a portion of sales benefiting ACC, and to participate in the Memory Quilt Project, an o ngoing community artwork by Kristin M. Be c k. Guests will be invited to share a memory on a piece of fabric, to be incorporated into a beautiful, meaningful quilt. The Heart of ACC Award presentation Featuring Complimentary valet parking. RSVP by January 28, 2026 Proceeds from this luncheon directly support Alzheimer's Community Car e 's specialized programs and services that h e lp families k ee p th e ir lov e d ones saf e , supported, and at home-where they belong. Tickets: $225 per guest Sponsorships and tables available Registration and boutiques open at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon and program begin at 12:00 p.m. Keynote remarks by Kristin M. Beck , a c claimed local artist and writer Emceed by Liz Quirantes , Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor, CBS 12