HERO CENTRAL: Alzheimer's Family Day Center | News

Each day, caretakers bring their loved ones to the Alzheimer's Family Day Center for entertainment and social activities. Today, jazz musicians, Aellyn and Charles, provided a delightful afternoon of music and dancing.

Myles Nienstadt, brings his mother to the center. He has witnessed the positive change in his mother, a retired physician. Nienstadt says, "She was in my home living with me but was alone during the day when I was out working. I really felt in the circumstances she needed to be in a safe and supportive environment."

Dr. Jean Sullivan is a respected physician. Her disease caused her to retire but she still exhibits a warm personality and welcomes a stranger.

The center provides a wide variety of stimulation and activities, and a homelike atmosphere. "Individuals with dementia can come here for a full range of activities, an opportunity to socialize with others, to get medical attention, to have their meals here and to get their medications here. It's a full service program that gives them a life," Executive Director Nancy Dezan said.

Many times the caregiver of an Alzheimer's patient is called the second victim, and the support offered by the center is very important. The center focuses on people's strengths rather than memory limitations, addressing the needs of the whole person and supporting family caregivers.