Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health is a new program launched in December by United Way of Tarrant County’s Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County. The program focuses on supporting those who provide care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Explained
REACH will have two offerings: one with 12 one-hour sessions, previously provided by the Alzheimer’s Association North Texas Chapter, and the second with a new condensed version with four sessions.
The four-session version is the first to be offered in Texas, according to the release. The condensed format allows for more individuals to participate and for more flexible scheduling for them, the release states.
What they’re saying
“Through our assessments in the Tarrant County area, we identified a gap in services for these caregivers and rallied to ensure resources are accessible to them,” said Shakita Johnson, who serves as AAATC’s executive director and United Way of Tarrant County’s Community Investment executive vice president. “Providing programs like REACH means we can really make a difference in our community and give invaluable support to people caring for loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s.”
The specifics
Caregivers will be guided to the best option for them by intake specialists with AAATC, the release states. Sessions are offered online, in person and over the phone. Sessions will guide caregivers through care planning, understanding medical conditions relevant to their patient, help solving specific problems and stress management techniques.
The REACH program is funded through a partnership with the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Workforce Enhancement in Health Aging and Independent Living and American Rescue Plan Act funds administered by Tarrant County, officials said.
More information is available at www.unitedwaytarrant.org/reach.
