The aspiring nurses formed a bond with about two dozen adults and seniors affected by dementia at the Alzheimer’s Community Care center in West Palm Beach. They took turns leading the group in songs, games and other activities designed to keep minds and bodies active.

 

“My experiences at Alzheimer’s Community Care have been so enjoyable, and I can truly see the heart this organization puts into the care of this population,” said PBA student Rebecca Brown, who was accompanied by fellow students Savannah Beckens and Julya Evans.

 

The partnership between PBA and Alzheimer’s Community Care, which began two years ago as a pilot program, was among the reasons that Alzheimer’s Community Care was recognized with a 2015 Mutual of America Foundation National Community Partnership Award.

 

The organization was honored as a Merit Finalist Award Recipient for its Dementia-Specific Practicum for Nursing Students, a landmark collaboration that provides training for community-based, dementia-specific care. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

 

“The inclusion of dementia-specific training in the nursing curriculum is an enormous step forward in preparing nurses to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones,” said Mary M. Barnes, president and CEO of Alzheimer’s Community Care.

 

Recent news reports have focused on possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and which affects more than five million Americans today.

By 2050, that number is expected to reach 16 million, according to current statistics. As a result, the need for trained health care workers is expected to grow significantly.

 

Since 2014, more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students in PBA’s School of Nursing have participated in the program, which has expanded to include nursing students from four other colleges and universities. The students work alongside skilled staff members at the organization’s specialized Alzheimer’s adult day service centers in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.

 

In addition, students in PBA’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program have been given the opportunity to work closely with administrators on continual quality and care improvement.

 

“They’re not only learning, but they’re also participating in what Alzheimer’s Community Care is doing to improve care in the community,” said Professor of Nursing Dr. Phyllis King.

 

Courtney Autrey, a student in the DNP program at PBA, feels better prepared after having participated in the practicum.

 

“During my time working with Alzheimer’s Community Care, I realized just how much we don’t know about dementia and other related diseases,” Autrey said.

 

“This partnership with PBA is an asset to the entire School of Nursing. The education students receive at Alzheimer’s Community Care will prepare them for caring for these individuals in their professional career in a way no textbook or lecture ever could. I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent with this wonderful organization, and I will be a better nurse because of it.”