The U.S. Administration on Aging has awarded the Florida Department of Elder Affairs a $1.1 million Alzheimers Disease Demonstration Grant to translate REACH II (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimers Caregivers Health) an evidence-based psychosocial intervention into an effective and sustainable community based program in Miami-Dade County. Community REACH II will be aimed at reducing caregiver distress and depression, and delaying nursing home placement of minority and low income persons with Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). Joining DOEA in this effort are United HomeCare Services, the University of Miami Center on Aging, the Alliance for Aging and Southeast Florida Alzheimers Association.
“We are very excited about being a part of this project. Family caregivers are central to the health and well-being of our older adult population and represent a vital component of our health care system. It is critically important to provide them with support and implement programs that address their needs and concerns. Our hope is that this project, which is based on the evidenced-based REACH II program, will reduce the burden and distress experienced by many family caregivers whose loved one has Alzheimers Disease and improve the quality of life for both the caregiver and care recipient,” said Sara J. Czaja, Ph.D., Co-Director, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Center on Aging and Principal Investigator for REACH II in Miami. “As the direct provider of services for Community REACH II, United HomeCare Services will work closely with all partners to help create a viable and sustainable program that can be implemented nationally to address the needs of elders affected by Alzheimers Disease and their caregivers,” stated José R. Fox, President and CEO of United HomeCare Services. One hundred fifty persons with ADRD and their caregivers will directly benefit from Community REACH II over the next three years. The Wein Center for Alzheimers Disease and Memory Disorders at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Miami Memory Disorder Clinic will play an integral role in identifying eligible participants and in assisting researchers in translating research into practice. There are approximately 50,000 elders with Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) in Miami-Dade County, over 75% of whom live at home with a caregiver burdened with the responsibility of their total care. ADRD are progressive, degenerative and debilitating disorders that impair cognition, the ability to perform basic daily functions and behavior. Research shows that caring for a person with ADRD has negative effects on caregivers, including a decline in emotional and physical well-being, social isolation, depression, increased risk of death and financial hardship due to the high cost and increasing demands for care. Through this demonstration grant various interventions will be used, including providing caregiver education, respite, counseling, and telephone support.
