Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

Melissa Gerard, director of the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center

FLYERS FOR UPCOMING OR ONGOING EVENTS/PROGRAMS

Caregiver Support Group

Family Consultations & Memory Screenings

Caregiver Education

Mind Boosters

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

 

To find out more about the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center, or to register for classes, or to request a speaker or educational program, please contact Melissa Gerard melissa.gerard@providence.org or 707-815-6258

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease often leads to significant changes not only for the individual affected but also for their social circle, as relationships can deteriorate due to discomfort and a lack of understanding about how to interact with someone experiencing memory loss.

With an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer's or dementia—constituting one in nine seniors—the condition poses substantial economic burdens. These burdens affect individuals, families, and healthcare systems, especially due to the extensive medical and long-term care services required.

Many dementia patients live alone, increasing their vulnerability to various risks, while untrained caregivers may struggle with managing common behavioral symptoms. As the population with dementia grows and no cure exists, adopting person- and family-centered care and training becomes crucial, alongside strategies to maintain cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, and delay the decline in functioning.

Established in 1999, our Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center, is committed to providing comprehensive support in the community. We offer Community Memory Screenings and Brain Health programs such as Master Minds, Mind Boosters, and Take Charge, designed to enhance cognitive function and empower individuals with strategies to manage their condition.

Additionally, we facilitate Family Consultations and Caregiver Support Groups that provide emotional and practical assistance, fostering a network where caregivers can share experiences and gain valuable insights. We emphasize education on Alzheimer's and dementia for both those diagnosed and their caregivers, ensuring they are well-informed about the disease and effective management techniques.

Our training programs equip first responders and community members with the skills necessary to recognize individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia and connect them to vital services. We also provide an Adult Day Program with staffing levels that exceed the Medicare/Medi-Cal requirement to ensure participant safety. This program provides person-centered care, including evidence-based therapeutic programming to manage disease progression and its accompanying symptoms.

Through these efforts, we aim to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer's and dementia and support those who care for them.