The Alternative Press

SUMMIT, NJ– The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently awarded a $5,000 grant to SAGE Eldercare in Summit, NJ to support its Spend-A-Day Adult Day Health Center, the longest-running medically-supervised adult day program in New Jersey.

The award is one of six $5,000 grants that AFA presented to grassroots organizations as part of its biannual grant process.

With the grant, SAGE Eldercare will continue to provide specialized care and a broad range of activities aimed at preserving the independence of people with dementia while providing respite for their caregivers. Attendees receive transportation to the facility and have daily access to medical care, health monitoring, meals, and assisted physical and mental stimulation activities designed to increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety and frustration, and help slow the progression of memory loss.

“Being awarded this grant offers recognition of the critical service we deliver to the community, thus making it possible to continue and increase our efforts to meet the needs of a growing population of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at Spend-A-Day,” said Jessica Rosenzweig Gruber, the organization’s executive director.

“While loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease receive personalized care, the grant also makes it possible for caregivers to take a much needed break, and get support and counseling,” she added.

SAGE provides a wide array of services for older adults, including Meals On Wheels, HomeCare, GPS (Guidance, Planning and Support) Service, support groups and volunteer opportunities in addition to the adult day center.

As many as 5.1 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and its incidence is escalating in line with the aging population. Advanced age is the biggest risk factor. In 2011, 13.7 percent of New Jersey’s population was 65 or older, slightly higher than for the United States as a whole.

In announcing the grant, Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and chief executive officer, said:  “We applaud SAGE Eldercare for being at the forefront of providing a full range of services and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. It is critical that people have local places like this that can help people age in place in their communities and ease the journey of this devastating disease.”

AFA awards grants twice a year to its nonprofit member organizations to develop or enhance programs and services that improve quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and their families.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national nonprofit organization that unites more than 1,600 independent member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals with dementia, their caregivers and families. Its services include counseling and referrals by licensed social workers via a toll-free hot line, e-mail, Skype and live chat; educational materials; a free quarterly magazine for caregivers; and professional training. For more information, call toll-free 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.