The Edmonton Epilepsy Association turns 65! Discover why epilepsy awareness matters for seniors — and how Serving Hands Senior Care and the EEA stand ready to help.
From Shadows to Light: A Story of Hope and Inclusion
“65 years of hope: from shadows to light – challenging epilepsy stigma, one conversation at a time.”
This powerful motto from the Edmonton Epilepsy Association (EEA) says it all. For over six decades, this local charity has been a beacon for people living with epilepsy — creating a supportive community where isolation once reigned. And now, as the EEA celebrates its 65th anniversary, Serving Hands Senior Care is proud to spotlight this remarkable milestone and join the mission to raise awareness, especially for seniors.
Why does this matter? Because while epilepsy is often misunderstood as a condition that affects only young people, the reality is that seniors are actually at a higher risk of developing epilepsy than any other age group — second only to young children.
Epilepsy Doesn’t Discriminate— Especially As We Age
Did you know that 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime? According to Epilepsy Canada, more than 50 million people worldwide live with this neurological condition — and the highest rates of new epilepsy diagnoses are found in adults over 65.
Here’s why:
✅ Stroke is the leading cause of epilepsy in older adults.
✅ Head injuries, dementia, and infections can all increase seizure risk as we age.
✅ Medications and metabolic imbalances may trigger seizures in seniors, sometimes making diagnosis more complicated.
Yet despite these facts, epilepsy in seniors is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Many older adults and their families may confuse seizures with other conditions like dementia, fainting spells, or mini-strokes.
That’s why community organizations like the Edmonton Epilepsy Association are so vital — and why Serving Hands is dedicated to connecting our clients and their families to the right resources.
🔗 Learn more about how our caregivers support seniors with complex conditions on our Senior Care Services page.
A Little Charity That Could — And Did
So how did the EEA come to be? It all started back on June 7, 1960, when a small group of Edmontonians came together to make life better for people affected by epilepsy. At the time, epilepsy was surrounded by stigma, fear, and misinformation. Institutionalization and outdated treatments like electric shock therapy were common.
But these grassroots advocates — including doctors, caregivers, community leaders, and people with epilepsy themselves — believed there was a better way. From church basements and handwritten meeting notes to community-led programs, the EEA grew into a trusted resource that today supports over 30,000 Albertans living with epilepsy in the Edmonton area.
📖 Want to know more? Visit the Edmonton Epilepsy Association for resources, stories, and local events.
How Does the EEA Help Today?
While the world has changed since the 1960s, the EEA’s mission remains steadfast: to create a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive community for those living with epilepsy.
They do this by:
✔️ Offering educational resources for families, schools, and workplaces.
✔️ Hosting support groups and peer networks to fight isolation.
✔️ Filling critical gaps for people who can’t access services elsewhere.
✔️ Providing direct support when government systems fall short.
Valeria Palladino, Executive Director of the EEA, says it best:
“Our grassroots roots are our strength. They allow us to build trust, create connections, and respond with empathy and creativity.”
Why Serving Hands Senior Care Wants to Partner With the EEA
At Serving Hands Senior Care, we know that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to caring for older adults. Many of our clients, families, and caregivers have never considered that seizures could be part of the aging journey.
By partnering with the Edmonton Epilepsy Association, we hope to:
- Raise awareness about epilepsy in seniors.
- Reduce stigma so that seniors feel safe asking for help.
- Educate our caregivers on how to recognize and respond to seizures.
- Connect families with resources like the EEA’s support groups and educational programs.
Fast Facts: Epilepsy & Seniors
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About 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and older adults are at higher risk because the likelihood of developing epilepsy increases with age.
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Around 30% of people with epilepsy don’t achieve full seizure control, making ongoing care and monitoring essential.
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Epilepsy in seniors is often caused by underlying conditions like stroke, brain tumors, head injuries, or Alzheimer’s disease — all of which disproportionately affect older adults.
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Social isolation can worsen epilepsy outcomes, as older adults living alone may have more trouble managing medications and accessing help during seizures. Community support can make a life-changing difference for safety and mental well-being.
For more on seniors’ health, see our helpful Resources page.
A Call to Action: Help Us Bring Hope
As the EEA turns 65, they remind us that their work is “far from done.” Too many people still live in the shadows — seniors who might not even realize that what they’re experiencing are seizures, or families who don’t know where to turn.
We invite you to:
- Share this story with friends and family.
- Reach out to the Edmonton Epilepsy Association.
- Connect with Serving Hands Senior Care if you or a loved one needs help managing life with epilepsy.
Our team at Serving Hands is here to listen, to help, and to connect you to trusted partners in our community.
From Shadows to Light — One Conversation at a Time
In the words of Helen Keller, who lived with significant neurological challenges herself:
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Here’s to 65 years of hope — and to a future where no senior living with epilepsy feels alone.
A Word of Gratitude
We thank Valeria Palladino, MACT, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, and the entire Edmonton Epilespy Association team for their dedication — and for allowing us to share their inspiring story.
To reach out directly to the EEA, contact Valeria at valeria@edmontonepilepsy.org.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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