Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we need the New Alzheimer's Center?
2. Who will the Center help?
3. Why is the New Alzheimer's Center unique?
4. What will happen at the New Alzheimer's Center?
5. Aren't there already Alzheimer's services in the county?
6. I don't have any family with Alzheimer's. Why should I give?
7. How much will this project cost and how do you plan to pay for it?
8. Can't the government pay for this project?
9. How will you support the Center once it is built?
10. When will it be built?
11. Can I spread my payments out over a few years?
12. Is there a way to publicly honor a loved one with my gift?
13. Are there other ways to help besides donating cash?
14. Why is the building called the New Alzheimer's Center if you will help people with all types of dementia?

1. Why do we need the New Alzheimer’s Center?
The good news: We are living longer.
The bad news: We are living longer.

Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. People over 65 are the fastest growing segment of the population in Humboldt County. The percentage of seniors in Humboldt County already exceeds the state average.

Alzheimer’s is an equal opportunity heartbreaker, attacking people of every race, culture, location, and economic level. As many as 2,400 people in Humboldt County may already be at some stage of Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. Appropriate care can greatly improve their quality of life.

In addition, local caregivers desperately need support. Studies show that caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s provide an average of 22 to 40 hours per week of intense day-to-day care. A day care program for a person with Alzheimer’s allows family members to get a much-needed break from the constant strain of caregiving for their loved one.

At the same time, because Medi-Cal will not pay for assisted living, many people with Alzheimer’s enter skilled nursing facilities before they need to. Families are able to keep their loved ones at home longer with access to our day program on a regular basis.

2. Who will the Center help?
People with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Specialized care can maximize patients’ remaining abilities and quality of life while reducing their confusion and anxiety.

Their family and friends. The day care program, support groups, resource library, and counseling will help families and caregivers cope.

Professional caregivers. The New Alzheimer’s Center will offer education and training for families as well as local professionals caring for those with Alzheimer’s.

Local employers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the U.S. in 2002, the cost of Alzheimer’s family caregiving was $36.5 billion in absenteeism, productivity losses, and replacement costs. Day care and support services can help reduce these costs to local employers.

3. Why is the New Alzheimer’s Center unique?
Alzheimer’s patients are dramatically affected by their physical surroundings. The New Alzheimer’s Center is being designed to facilitate mental functioning, minimize confusion and allow individuals to function more independently.

For example, the New Alzheimer’s Center will give patients freedom to walk safely and without constant supervision inside the building and in the garden area. It will have muted sounds, lights and colors; frequent places to sit and rest; and decor designed to be familiar and tranquil. Unnecessary noises, visual distractions and odors will be minimized. Contrasting materials on floors, walls, tables and chairs will clearly define space and objects within the space.

Other elements geared to the special needs of Alzheimer’s patients will include large view windows, music therapy and a homey “living room” area with fireplace. The program’s focus on social interaction, plus individual attention from staff, will help dementia patients preserve their connection with the world.

The New Alzheimer’s Center will be the only comprehensive resource in Humboldt County that can support people with Alzheimer’s and their families throughout each stage of their care.

4. What will happen at the New Alzheimer’s Center?
All activities with the patients are geared to preserving their remaining mental and social abilities. Activities and services will include:

• Specialized care appropriate to each stage of Alzheimer’s or other dementias
• Individualized attention and emotional support
• A safe setting where patients are free to walk and explore without fear of injury
• Stimulating interactions with others
• Art, craft and music therapies
• Gardening and pet therapies
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Nutritious meals
• Medical supervision
• Transportation to and from the program

The second floor will house the Alzheimer’s Resource Library, with books, tapes, videos and Internet access. There will be space for family support groups and public meeting rooms to provide Alzheimer’s education for community and health professionals.

5. Aren’t there already Alzheimer’s services in the county?
Yes, but not enough to meet the need. For over six years, we have had a waiting list for the Alzheimer's services offered at our current Adult Day Health facility. The New Alzheimer’s Center will more than double the daily capacity of our Eureka-based day care programs at a time when the population needing this service continues to grow. For additional information, see Why We Need the New Alzheimer’s Center.

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