INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County recently received a $20,000 grant from John’s Island Community Service League to support the local nonprofit organization’s “Care for the Caregiver” program.
Care for the Caregiver is a three-pronged program designed to offer caregivers temporary relief as they face the overwhelming challenges presented to them on a daily basis. The three respite formats include in-home companion-level care, adult day care in collaboration with Senior Resource Association and a social respite group held within the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Activities Center, located at 2300 5th Avenue, Suite 150 in Vero Beach.
The social respite program is held five mornings a week.
The locally-based Respite Program is designed to allow caregivers the time to take care of themselves – to attend appointments, social outings, exercise or just have some quality down time.
In addition to the John’s Island Community Service League grant, the Respite Program is also funded by a generous local philanthropist.
“Having a period of time that the caregiver can depend on at regular intervals is very important for their overall well being,” said Roberta Rose, D.O., in the field of Neurology and member of Alzheimer & Parkinson Association Board of Directors. “It helps not only for that three-hour period, but exponentially as it assists in reducing the build-up of anxiety that care giving produces day in and day out. We have seen a decline in the need for crisis management among the families that we serve as a result of this program, which has a tremendous impact on our community.”
Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County is not an affiliate of a national organization. It is an independent, nonprofit organization that is 100 percent supported through generous donations derived from grants, events, individuals and businesses.
Programs are designed for those challenged by disorders affecting memory and movement, such as essential tremors, stroke, autism, lewy bodies and others.
Services provided to area residents include support groups, a lending library resource center, monthly program meetings, caregiver training, Project Lifesaver Tracking Bracelets, respite program, an activity center, weekly exercise classes and memory screening.
Nearly 4,100 caregivers, clients, and professionals participated in the organization’s programs in 2011.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, making a donation to the Respite Program or about other programs available in Indian River County, visit www.alspark.org or call (772) 563-0505.