The cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. Currently-used treatments offer small symptomatic benefits; no treatments to delay or halt the progression of the disease are available. Alzheimer's disease places a great burden on caregivers; the pressures can be wide-ranging, involving social, psychological, physical, and economic elements of the caregiver's life.
Many organizations that strive to alleviate the pressures of caring for victims of this disease, keeping them safe, fed and comfortable. Most do an admirable job, some go above and beyond. One of those is
Alzheimer's Community Care, Inc.
The highly skilled, caring folks at
Alzheimer's Community Care, Inc. of Saint Lucie County organize day trips to improve quality of life through stimulation therapy.
Stimulation-oriented treatments include art, music and pet therapies and exercise. These activities support improved behavior, mood, and function. But, the main support for the use of stimulation therapies is the improvement in the person's daily life routines.
On April 22nd, 25 individuals from
Alzheimer's Community Care, Inc. of Saint Lucie County will visit Saint Lucie Lanes. This is the second outing of this kind for the Sister Entertainment Centers, on February 11th 55 individuals from
Alzheimer's Community Care, Inc. of West Palm Beach visited Jupiter Lanes. About 39 people bowled while the remaining ones cheered loudly, including 101 year old Rosalia Anania. Ages ranged from 52 to 101 and all had a wonderful time.
Program Manager Edna Bloomer-Valkov, LPN was particularly pleased at the lasting effect of the outing. "Generally speaking, they have a good time, but most forget the majority of the outing by the next day. I fully expected this of one of our 94 year old residents, but I was stunned at how much she remembered. She kept talking about how everyone cheered her, about how she knocked over those things with the ball. She talked about it all the next day."
"We would love to repeat these trips, on a more regular basis," stated Bloomer-Valkov, "But the cost is somewhat prohibitive. We depend on donations to help us."
If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause write to Alzheimer's Community Care Inc, 800 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 101-B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. To donate online visit www.alzcare.org. Over 85 cents of every dollar that is entrusted to Alzheimer's Community Care is used to support our local services and resources and is tax deductible.
Sister Family Entertainment Centers of Jupiter and Saint Lucie are your community centers. They are dedicated to redefining the family experience. With over 100,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, 110 lanes of bowling combined, food court, game and billiards and sports bar with indoor and outdoor lounges, there is something for everyone!