FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Julie Town

Thursday, November 3, 2005 661-9430

NYS Department of Health Grants COI’s Alzheimer’s Community Services Program $38,000

Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) officials are pleased to announce that they have received a 5-year funding grant for the Alzheimer’s Disease Community Services Program. The $38,000 grant comes from the New York State Department of Health and will provide essential support services to families and caregivers of New Yorkers living with Alzheimer's disease. Nineteen projects had been funded across New York State, with COI receiving the funding to serve the residents of Chautauqua County.

The support services offered through COI’s Alzheimer’s Community Services program include family/care giver support, respite care, caregiver training, information and referral services to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, their families and caregivers.

Health Services Division Department Head Julie Town said, “An additional program initiative is the offering of free respite services to those families who qualify. On average, family providers spend 70 to 90 hours a week caring for their loved one. Respite services can help these families reduce stress levels and ease the way to allow people to become better care providers. It may also delay the placement of a family member into a long-term care facility.”

Respite services are provided through the employment of a personal care aide to provide in-home services through COI’s licensed home care agency. Aides receive specialized training specifically targeted for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is a neuro-psychiatric disorder that attacks an individual's central nervous system causing a loss of perception and memory. Additionally, Alzheimer's disease is a permanent, life-threatening condition.

Telephone interviews are conducted to determine eligibility, followed by a home visit, nursing assessment and the development of a family care plan. For further information please call Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Home Care Services at 366-3335 or 664-4999.

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