FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE | NOVEMBER 21, 2017
Six days a week, from Monday through Saturday, the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center welcomes individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, to participate in social adult day programs, featuring entertainment, word games, light exercise, crafts, and more. Now, the benefits and socialization enjoyed throughout the week continue into the weekend. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is very excited to announce its new Weekend Drop Off Program.
Inspired in part by inquiries from families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, the weekend program offers an additional resource for family members, enabling them a break from their caregiver roles. While their loved one is safe and cared for at the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center center, families can use the time to attend to their own needs, like shopping, medical appointments, or just get some rest. The weekend program is unique in that it is the only social day program model on Long Island. Both the weekend and weekday programs are tailored to each participants' diagnosed stage of the disease. All programs are facilitated by one of Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's licensed social workers and augmented by program assistants.
A steady influx of participants attended the last three weekend programs so far. Mary Boil's daughter shared that her mother was at first hesitant to come that first Saturday, but was happy to report that her mother wanted to attend again and was excited to engage with supportive Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center staff and friendly company. Her daughter can relax, and rest assured that her mother is being taken care of, and receiving cognitive stimulation.
Another family member shared the struggle of being a working caregiver and is very appreciative of the weekend drop off option, as well as the monthly Saturday caregiver support group, beginning on December 9, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The caregiver expressed how she is looking forward to being able to attend a weekend support group, or have the time to go shopping, or enjoy some relaxation, knowing her loved one is happy and in good hands.
When asked about the Saturday program, Grace Johnson, the social worker who coordinates the program, and is also Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's Director of Late Stage Programming/Director of Transportation, said, "This is what a Saturday should be. Individuals can continue to engage in stimulating activities with their peers and supportive staff, while caregivers are able to get some respite time, or run errands and complete tasks they otherwise would not be able to."
The Weekend Drop Off Program runs every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's center at 1025 Old Country Road in Westbury.
With more than 50,000 Long Islanders currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and the number expected to grow, the need for Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's programs and services, including their social adult day programs, in-home respite, caregiver training and support groups, and brain fitness workshops for healthy seniors, is on the rise. For nearly three decades, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's commitment to improving the quality of life for Long Island individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, and offering much-needed assistance to caregivers, has never wavered. With Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's new Weekend Drop Off Program, families coping with Alzheimer's know that a few more hours of respite for them, and enjoyment for their loved ones, are available.
For more information about Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's Weekend Drop Off Program, please contact Grace Johnson, LMSW, at 516-767-6856, ext 11.
Caption: Program Assistant Justin Bayoneto assists a participant with some light exercise at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's new Weekend Drop Off Program.
For 29 years, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center has been providing supportive community-based services to Alzheimer’s families on Long Island. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center offers critically needed social adult day programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center takes considerable pride in its pioneering role in the development of cutting edge services that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s. For information call (516) 767-6856 or visit www.lidementia.org