Back to ACoA Annual Report

Ann Cichoski, Carrie Crye and Brigida Cacho enjoy a visit with Carrie's goat at Island Cove Adult Day Program. (photo by Pat Branson)

Funding from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority allows the Alaska Commission on Aging to develop model programs to address the needs of beneficiaries. Most of the projects focus on persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). Other beneficiaries include persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders in a collaborative effort with the Alaska Mental Health Board and the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Grants for FY02 include:

• Innovative Respite and Chore – explores alternative methods for delivering respite and chore services for persons with ADRD beyond current respite guidelines.

• ADRD Mini-Grants – addresses client specific needs, which include dental/vision/hearing and adaptive equipment.

• Substance Abuse Treatment for Elders – offers outreach, referral, and intensive case management for elders with substance abuse disorders.

• Day Treatment for Elders with Mental Illness – provides case management and day programming for elders with mental illness.

• Board Development on Rural Issues – opportunity for the ACoA to visit a rural area and exchange information regarding services available and specific needs.

• ADRD Provider Training – curriculum development and training that includes presentations at conferences and distance delivered instruction.

• ADRD Caregiver Support – focus on underserved areas and populations, such as rural and isolated communities and urban areas providing services to persons under 60 years.

• Adult Day Dementia Design – survey and recommendations regarding modifications for adult day programs to enhance the independence of participants with dementia.

• Adult Day Quality Enhancement – examination of best practices and standards in the diverse adult day programs throughout the state.
  

ALZHEIMER'S DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

The Alzheimer's Demonstration Project in Southeast Alaska was initiated through a three-year grant from the Administration on Aging to the Alaska Commission on Aging. A partnership was established with Catholic Community Service to assist in the delivery of services throughout Southeast Alaska for persons identified with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders and their families. The project provides rural communities with training to enable providers to identify persons with ADRD. Comprehensive services are tailored to meet the needs of the person with ADRD. In addition, an adult day program was developed in one small rural community.

Next Section: Tables and Charts
Back to ACoA Annual Report