Unique Programs that Support Caregivers of People with Dementia

November commemorates both National Family Caregivers Month and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a special time to support and honor the unique challenges faced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia. In today’s episode, we talk with two dynamic and dedicated project directors from the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation on Long Island who will discuss their roles in innovative and highly successful community programs serves family caregivers by connecting them with a circle of help that includes trained volunteers who provide an array of respite services. Dawn Hagen is Program Director of the Parker’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative and Carmen Quinones is Program Director of the Hope and Healing Program. Dawn will describe how the Caregiver Support Initiative—as part of Parker’s “Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands” program—reaches out to family caregivers of a relative who may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, providing an array of services, including free family consultations, caregiver education and training, support groups, caregiver companions, respite care and memory cafes. And Carmen will describe a new Parker program that supports that supports the caregivers of older adults with dementia and a history of trauma, providing person-centered approaches and services that can help promote the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population. Together, Dawn and Carmen exemplify the tireless dedication of those who provide much-needed support to family caregivers, especially those caring for loved ones with dementia.