The National Group Respite Program
History
Since 1989, the Brookdale National Group Respite Program has awarded seed grants to organizations to develop and implement social model group respite programs. These day programs have served thousands of elders with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and their family caregivers. In addition to group respite, the development of programs for people with Early Memory Loss (EML) is also supported through this grant initiative.
The goals of the program are:
- to offer opportunities for persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to engage in a program of meaningful social and recreational activities in a secure and supportive setting in order to maximize their cognitive and social abilities; and
- to provide relief and support to family members and other primary caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
Group Respite
In addition to providing respite care and enjoyable group activities that build on the strengths and abilities of participants the programs offer family caregivers access to services such as counseling, support groups, information and referral, training and education. With a nationwide network of programs providing regular respite services the Program demonstrates that a cost-effective, social model of adult day services can successfully address the special needs of Alzheimer's families.
Early Memory Loss
At present, there is a gap in supportive services available for people recently diagnosed with EML. This engaging, educational service model allows adults to be productive, involved members of the community and participate in programming that enhances independence. This EML program also provides the opportunity to learn practical skills in a non-threatening group setting with peers.
Memory enhancement and compensatory skill building are central elements in this consumer-directed social and educational program. Other components of this EML program are group problem-solving, socialization, peer support, exercise and camaraderie. This model has been replicated around the country in response to the growing population of people seeking both earlier diagnosis and resources to meet their unique needs.
For more information contact our program coordinator, Carmen Mendieta at cm@brookdalefoundation.org
Respite Members