"Alzheimer's ... it is a barren disease, as empty and lifeless as a desert. It is a thief of hearts and souls and memories."
Nicholas Sparks
The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline. Call us toll-free anytime day or night at 1.800.272.3900
Services
In March 2014, an interview and tour was provided by Mary O'Neill, CTRS, of Brookdale Senior Living Clare Bridge of Manlius. Ms. O'Neill is the executive director for Brookdale Senior Living Clare Bridge of Manlius. She is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and also has received a credential awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. During the tour, Ms. O'Neill provided information about Clare Bridge of Manlius and how it's main goal is to provide the upmost care and support for its participants and their families (O'Neill, 2014).
The Clare Bridge ideology was developed over 25 years ago and continues to evolve by embracing and implementing the latest research in dementia care. Brookdale's mission and values are focused on following the whole-community philosophy which empowers all associates to identify the unmet needs of the resident and their family. In essence, Brookdale is geared towards being a part of a solution. Clare Bridge Training and Behavioral Problem-Solving Programs are ongoing, along with countinous guidance and teaching on the complex tasks are provided for all staff. This is to provide the most excellent dementia care for every resident and their families. Furthermore, staff implement the person-centered approach, which focuses on each resident's feelings and preserving a sense of self. As of today, Brookdale is one of the leading providers in Alzheimer's care in the United States (Brookdale, 2014).
In March 2014, an interview and tour was provided by Amy Gannon, CTRS of the Alzheimer's Association. Ms. Gannon is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and received a credential awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. As the Assistant Day Program Director, she oversees daily operations and activities for the Kirkpatrick Day Program. She also provides tours and guest visits and supervises the day program staff. Prior to working at the program, she served several years as a director of activities and recreation programs in another long-term care facility (Gannon, 2014).
In 1987, the Kirkpatrick Day Program was established in Syracuse, NY. The program provides high quality care for individuals facing Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementia's. Day services provide reliable support and care towards it's participants and families. The staff are all trained in dementia care and provide professional activities that are based on each individual's need and interest. These activities are implemented with the goal of stimulating cognition and maintaining memory. The mission at the Kirkpatrick Day Program is simply...."Caring is our passion" (Gannon, 2014).
The Alzheimer's Center at St. Camillus provides Cognitive Health Services for adults who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and whose levels are across the wide spectrum of cognitive function. The Center provides multiple programs and activities that help adults who want to maintain their brain health, to individuals who are experiencing mild, moderate and severe cognitive impairments. These activities and programs are geared toward helping individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias cope with their disease; as well as continually build on remaining skills. Such activities are as followed:
Educational Programs: Educational programs that focus on supporting individuals in the community who wish to prevent and/or address a cognitive condition, as well as family caregivers and staff who work with these individuals.
Stay Sharp: This program is developed for persons with mild cognitive impairments who wish to maintain or improve their skills. Structured small group sessions using the Serper Method workbooks offer participants a fun and challenging program.Caregiver Support Group:
Monthly support group for caregivers: Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and caregivers meet with a group once a month. The group is open to anyone in the community.
(The Centers, 2013).