Alzheimer's Communities
Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects your ability to remember things and think clearly. Doctors don’t know what causes the disease. They do know that it usually begins after age 60, and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease....
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
 Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects your ability to remember things and think clearly. Doctors don’t know what causes the disease. They do know that it usually begins after age 60, and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is not a normal part of aging.
The disease often starts slowly. In fact, some people don’t know they have Alzheimer’s disease, blaming their forgetfulness on old age. Over time, memory problems get much worse as the disease progresses.
People with Alzheimer’s disease lose the ability to drive a car, cook a meal, or even read a newspaper. They may get lost easily and find even simple things confusing. Some people become worried, angry, or violent. At some point, people with Alzheimer’s disease may need someone to take care of all their needs (feeding, bathing, etc.) at home with a caregiver or in a nursing home.
Warning Signs
Although every case of Alzheimer's disease is different, experts have identified common warning signs of this disease. Remember it is important to look for signs that might indicate Alzheimer's disease versus basic forgetfulness. With Alzheimer's disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent.
Typical warning signs include:
- Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, and other new information
- Confusion about time and place
- Struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
- Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations
- Poor judgment when making decisions
- Changes in mood and personality, such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities
- Difficulty with complex mental assignments, such as balancing a checkbook or other tasks involving numbers
Diagnosis
- Experienced clinicians can accurately diagnose dementia 90% of the time.
- Accurate diagnosis is critical. Some conditions that cause symptoms of dementia, such as hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiency and infections, can be reversed. For irreversible dementias, treatment options vary depending on the disease.
- Obtaining a proper diagnosis involves consulting with a healthcare professional who is an expert in dementia, and communicating symptoms and experienced in testing.
- Diagnostic tools: include a complete medical history; blood, urine or other medical tests; neuropsychological tests that measure memory, problem solving, attention, and language; and brain scans.
- Individuals with clinically diagnosed dementia have clear cognitive loss in two or more intellectual domains, such as amnesia (loss of memory) and aphasia (inability to communicate effectively), but almost all individuals with Alzheimer's disease demonstrate short-term memory impairment.
- Other types of dementia may begin with a slow loss of memory function; however, a careful clinical evaluation will usually provide information that suggests dementia other than Alzheimer's disease.
Treatment
- Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
- Researchers are continually testing the effectiveness of various drug therapies that will control symptoms; slow, reduce and/or reverse mental and behavioral symptoms; and prevent or halt the disease.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors: donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept), approved for all stages of Alzheimer's disease; rivastigmine (Exelon), approved in pill and patch form for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; and galantamine hydrobromide (Razadyne), approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. These drugs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down the brain chemical acetylcholine, and thereby may help slow the worsening of symptoms.
- The FDA has approved memantine HCI (Namenda) for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, which may help slow the worsening of symptoms.
- The National Institute on Aging, in concert with the FDA, tracks private and government sponsored clinical trials; contact the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center or call 800-438-4380.
Donate Online
Alzheimer’s Community Care is a community-based not-for-profit organization who, for more than 12 years, has been offering specialized care to more than 68,000 patients and caregivers in Palm Beach, Martin, and Saint Lucie counties. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients and caregivers.
Your financial support is the life blood of our organization.
To learn more about Alzheimer's Community Care please call the development department at (561) 683-2700. It would be our pleasure to share with you, how in part through your support, our programs and services are changing lives for the better.
Our online donation process is fast, easy and secure. This donation is taking place on an encrypted, secure server, though Internet Explorer may not display the symbol.
Can I mail in my donation?
Yes, we gratefully accept donations via regular mail.
Alzheimer's Community Care, Inc.
800 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 101-B
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
If I make a donation, how will my money be used?
Over 93 cents of every dollar that is entrusted to Alzheimer's Community Care is used to supports our local services and resources.
Is my contribution deductible?
Yes. All contributions made where no goods or services were received in return are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you again. Your generosity will make a powerful difference!
Day care wish list
Here is how you can help with a special need!
Wish List Items for Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care Centers:
- Double Oven
- Gas Grill
- Refrigerator
- Nintendo Wii
- Flat Screen TV
If you are interested in helping us with any of the items listed above, please email us here, and we will contact you. Thank you in advance.
Volunteer Department
The Volunteer Services Department is committed to providing informed, caring volunteers to support the needs of patients and staff in accordance with the Mission of Alzheimer’s Community Care.
We Are Consistently Striving . . .
- To provide service in a caring, courteous, comforting and professional manner
- To serve our patients, staff, and community needs in a timely fashion and act as an Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Community Care within the community
- To work as a team with other volunteers, staff, patients, and the community
- To be known for the excellent service we provide
What we have accomplished Since the inception of Alzheimer's Community Care our volunteers have contributed more than 150,000 service hours, translating into a savings of close to $2,000.000. Last year alone, our volunteers contributed more than 11,703 service hours and saved the organization more than $204,232. Our Volunteers are “All Stars Among Us” Volunteers
- Are you enthusiastic, warm, caring, and friendly?
- Do you enjoy helping others?
- Do you have extra time that you would like to spend doing something worthwhile and valuable?
Then ACC could use your help. We have many opportunities for Volunteers to assist in various capacities, and your contribution of time and talent can make a positive difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s disease patients and their families in our community. Those wishing to lend a helping hand to Alzheimer’s Community Care, Inc., may do so through the volunteer program. Volunteers complete an orientation/training to prepare for their role as a volunteer. Please consider the following opportunities as a venue for your service. Short term, long-term and episodic positions are available. If you are interested in volunteering for Alzheimer’s Community Care, please contact Kris Riedell at (561) 683-2700, Ext. 144 or email us.
CRF are opening up more Alzheimer's Communities in the local areas.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Application
Special Needs Shelter Volunteer Application
Direct Patient Interaction Opportunities
Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care Centers
This is a great opportunity to volunteer as well as receive valuable training in many aspects of patient care. These areas include, but are not limited to: assisting in the planning and implementing of daily activities, serving meals, one-on-one interaction, and facilitating music and exercise time while having lots of fun. TB clearance and background check required. Individuals or small groups may apply. Positions are available at all of our Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care locations.
Senior Companion
Individuals assist in Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care Centers performing many aspects of patient care and receives a non-taxable stipend for a flexible 20 hours of service. Position requires you to be at least 60 years of age. Income restrictions apply. Benefits and training are provided. TB clearance and background check required. Positions are available at all of our Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care locations.
Palm Beach County Special Needs Shelter
Assisting Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Patients & Caregivers At Palm Beach County’s Special Needs Shelter during Hurricane Season or Disaster Relief at the Special Needs Shelter located at Palm Beach Central High School, 8499 Forest Hill Blvd., in Wellington. Mandatory training, identification badges & travel passes provided. Must be at least 18 years old.
Qualifications
Special Needs Shelter Application
DJ/Music
This is a great opportunity to practice your DJ skills. The volunteer will play music from the era of the “Big Bands” of the 30’s, 40’s, & 50’s and “groove” into the 60’s and 70’s. The music exercises our patients’ cognitive skills as they stroll down memory lane singing along with the fabulous sounds of familiar music. You can also bring your own instrument, music and talent to perform. Individuals and small groups are welcome. TB clearance and background check may be required. Positions are available at all of our Specialized Alzheimer's Day Care locations.
Administrative Opportunities
Data Processing
This is a great opportunity to enhance your computer skills. This volunteer will assist in the upkeep of the organization's databases and records. Responsibilities include aiding in the data entry of pertinent information, updating information, and processing requests for various information from the databases. Computer skills required. Positions are available at our Headquarters location and Family Nurse Consultant offices.
General Office
General office volunteer may perform data entry, filing, record keeping, copying, bulk mailings, and general assistance to staff. Positions are available at our Headquarters location and Family Nurse Consultant offices.
Care Manager
Volunteer alongside Case Managers and Family Nurse Consultants while acquiring social work skills and knowledge. Contribute to the well-being of patients and caregivers, while helping to provide accessibility to supportive services. Learn about other community services and organizations that aid families and patients of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Specialized, hands-on training is provided. Positions are available at our Headquarters location and Family Nurse Consultant offices.
Support Group Facilitator
Facilitate a support group meeting that will provide comfort and understanding to caregivers and families whose loved ones are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Groups meet on a regular basis to discuss their situations, feelings and concerns, and lend each other support. Mandatory initial and on-going training provided. Contact us for available locations.
Exhibits & Community Fairs
Represent our organization by staffing a booth & dispersing informational handouts to the public at various venues in the tri-county area throughout the year. Must be outgoing and friendly.
*Volunteer internships available.
**Volunteers may also serve as board members, clerical support, fund raisers or public speakers.
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