Apoyos Para Los Cuidadores (Support for the Caregivers)

The program offers support services to family caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Participants of this program are residents of Taos County and come from rural, low-income and diverse, predominantly Latino, communities. Apoyos Para Los Cuidadores is the 2008 recipient of The Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Award, Diverse/Multicultural Communities Category.

Organization:

Chesed Project/Taos Jewish Center

The Chesed Program is a non-denominational project of the Taos Jewish Center which offers older adults and their caregivers services including health and wellness classes, a therapeutic music program, weatherization and home maintenance, and Alzheimer’s support programs.

Location:

Taos, NM

How does it work?

Apoyos supports Alzheimer’s caregivers by providing caregiver education and support groups and managing a Resource and Referrals Center, which includes telephone consultations and access to a resource library. The program also oversees ArtStreams: From the Well of Memory, an interactive art discussion that takes place at local museums and galleries, providing caregivers with social interaction, group support, mental stimulation and momentary reprieve.

Why is it successful?

Apoyos started in 2006, and it expanded in response to community need, adding elements such as ArtStreams in 2008. The program has served over 60 people in this rural community. There are very few local resources available to people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Apoyos helps fill the gap by referring people to the resources that do exist and striving to provide services that are not otherwise unavailable.

For more information: www.taosjewishcenter.org