To be a leader in fulfilling the unique needs of the individual with dementia and supporting their caregivers, while optimizing each person's independence and dignity

Description:
Hope Alzheimer's Center provides state-of-the-art therapeutic day services to victims of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Services available at the Center offer participants brighter hours, fuller days and richer lives, while providing peace of mind for families who face the daily challenges of caring for a loved one with progressive memory loss.

Approximately 50 persons per day, or a total of 125 individuals per year participate in day services at the Center. Services include, but are not limited to multidisciplinary care planning and case management, information and referral, nursing and personal care, nutritional services, therapeutic activities, and assistance in accessing transportation, financial assistance, and other health and enabling services. Through collaborative, contractual and cooperative agreements, the Center is able to enhance core services with physical, occupational and speech therapies; hospice care; podiatry; and hair care services. The agency also offers support, education and advocacy services for family caregivers and to the Rhode Island community. As part of its investment in the community, the Center provides training opportunities for voluteers and students of all ages.

Hope is one of two dementia specific day programs in the state, although all of Rhode Island's eighteen adult day programs accept individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Hope supports persons at all stages of memory loss and helps each person to function at an optimal level of health and enjoyment. Program participants come from 23 Rhode Island communities and from diverse ethnic, racial, linguistic, religious and economic backgrounds, and approximately 79% are unable to afford the full cost of care. The agency has traditionally served individuals regardless of their ability to pay the full cost of care.

Fund raising volunteers are especially cherished, because they help raise dollars to support uncompensated or under-compensated care.

Most families receiving Center services are committed to keeping loved ones at home, but frailty, catastrophic illness, the toll of care giving or changes in family dynamics may precipitate a decision to pursue institutional care.

The agency is governed by a Board of Directors and is staffed by full and part-time clinical, administrative and social service personnel who are motivated to make each day the best it can be for those entrusted to the Center's care. Program specialists, contracted artists, student interns, volunteers, and senior companions enrich participant experiences and offer an extra dimension to quality of life.

History:
The Hope Alzheimer's Center was incorporated on July 8, 1994. Designed and constructed to meet the specialized, sensitive, and intensive needs of memory-impaired elders, the agency provides a comprehensive range of nutritional, personal care, medical, social, and therapeutic day services (see list attached) to individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia. Since opening on April 24, 1995 the Center has to date provided care for nearly 750 individuals from 23 RI communities. The center has hosted professionals in the field of aging from throughout the world and provides student training opportunities for several area universities and schools. In response to a growing need for sensitive care services for persons with memory loss, the Cranston Department of facility size to 9000 square feet. A generous community helps to provide funds to sustain the quality and diversity of the organization's programs and services.

Contact person: Cynthia Conant-Arp, Executive Director, 401-946-9220, (email)
Office fax number: (401) 946-3850

Address:

25 Brayton Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 (See a map)

Directions:

Please call for directions   Nearest Bus Stop: In front of National Guard, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No
What type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)(3)