Alzheimer's can lead to premature institutionalization and emotional, physical and financial ruin. For the past eleven years, The Brookdale Foundation has supported local community organizations through small seed grants, training and technical assistance to develop dementia-specific, social model day service programs in order to meet the needs of persons with Alzheimer's and their family caregivers. In November 2001 Funding will be available beginning November 2001 for up to 15 programs. Grant funds may not be used to support or expand the hours, days, or service capacity of existing social, health or medical model programs. Ongoing technical assistance and support from the staff of the Brookdale Technical Assistance Office in Berkeley, California and from The Brookdale Foundation Group in New York City.
Technical assistance continues to be provided to all programs that become self-sufficient.
Programs are open a minimum of one day a week for at least four hours per session, offering people with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders regularly scheduled opportunities for socialization and group activities in a supportive environment. At least one paid professional staff member and a core of trained volunteers, students and program assistants, provide staffing for sites. In addition, programs offer access to other services for participants and their families, such as individual counseling for caregivers, information and referral to other health and social services, and support group meetings for family members. All programs must provide a day services program for people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The program is limited to those who are cognitively impaired.