Dear Friends:
2015 was a transformative year. After 30 years of operating as the New York City Chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Association, we have separated from National to return to our roots as an independent charity. Only our name has changed. We remain the only organization in New York City singularly focused on quality care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their families.
Why is this important? Because, in the absence of a cure and effective therapy, the best “medicine” – the only medicine – is good care. And, here at 360 Lexington Avenue, this is where we excel.
We have always been more than just a name. We are the expertise of our dedicated staff who, collectively, have hundreds of years of in-depth experience in dementia care. With a deep understanding and knowledge of New York City and its many diverse populations, we have created an extensive network of community partners with reach into all five boroughs. We provide the gold standard of compassionate care, expert counseling, training and education for the Alzheimer’s community.
Many of you know first-hand the importance of our work. It provides peace of mind and ensures your family’s well-being during your most difficult time. Whether you have attended a legal and financial seminar or a Family Caregiver Workshop, joined one of our 110 support groups or had the benefit of personalized counseling and planning with a licensed social worker, it is our knowledge and solid reputation – gained over more than three decades of service to the community – that makes us the most trusted source for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. And our programs remain free of charge for all who need them.
The progress we have made in strengthening and growing our programs this year is significant:
- Our 24-hour Helpline responded to more than 12,500 calls, a 24% increase over the previous year.
- Our social workers provided over 4200 care consultations, an increase of 47% over the previous year.
- 375 professional caregivers were trained to become expert in dementia care, and our web-based job matching tool serves as an important hiring link for families and graduates.
- Our 155 education meetings were attended by 1,500 caregivers – both, up almost 20% from the previous year.
- Our Wanderers Safety Program has over 23,000 registrants – the largest registry in the country – and we responded to over 300 missing person incidents.
- We allocated over $145,000 in Special Assistance Grants to more than 100 financially distressed caregivers, a 50% increase in the number of grantees over the previous year.
- Our innovative Palliative Care Pilot Program advanced practices for care of late stage dementia patients in nursing homes, transforming the standard of care.
None of this would be possible without you – our friends, supporters and clients. Whether you have stood by us for 30 years or 30 days, you are integral to all that we do.
No one should have to navigate the long journey of Alzheimer’s alone. With you by our side, no one in New York City will.
I wish you a peaceful holiday season and productive new year. And, please stay tuned for some very exciting news in early 2016!
Sincerely,
Lou-Ellen Barkan
President & CEO
PHOTO: KEVIN HAGEN FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
P.S. Please contribute to our 2015 Year End Campaign. With your support we can continue to provide services for the Alzheimer’s community, free of charge. 100% of your donation supports New York City individuals and families affected by an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis.