Comments on senior day program

Joanne Koenig Coste, a nationally recognized Alzheimer’s expert and the author of the groundbreaking book, “Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s,” sent the following comments upon hearing of the Board of
County Supervisors’ decision to close the Manassas Senior Day Program.

“How saddened I am to hear of the proposed closing of the Manassas Senior Day Program. It seems unconscionable that a program, as vital as this is in the ongoing fight to preserve family units, could be eliminated from the FY09 budget. Not only has this program given older people of Prince William County a secure environment in which to feel useful, productive, and treasured, but I know it has saved many caregivers by offering them the necessary hours for respite and renewal while a loved one is feeling productive in the Senior Day Program.

Shame on those who do not see the wisdom in funding this most needed endeavor. This program is an effort to ensure the continued dignity of elders AND it is also cost effective in a system that supposedly strives to keep down healthcare expenses. It costs far more for the hospitalization of older Americans who are in ill health because of 24/7 primary caregiving and to address the issues of behavior, e.g, wandering, agitation, sundowning, and frustration associated with cognitive decline, than it ever will to provide community programs that allow program participants daily opportunities to increase their feelings of self-worth, while allowing caregivers the absolutely mandatory time needed to renew their spirits.

I do pray that those who made this ill-conceived decision will revisit it and see the wisdom of continuing to fund the Manassas Senior Day Program. Please use my words and pass on these comments to whomever has not yet listened (or perhaps heard) your plea.”

Joanne Koenig Coste was the keynote speaker at the PWC Area Agency on Aging Caregiver’s Conference in April, 2007. She has been an outspoken advocate for Alzheimer’s patient and family care since 1973. She is a board member of the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and the recipient of a National Award for Health Heroes from Reader’s Digest. She was named a “Woman to Watch in the 21st Century” by NBC Nightly News. Currently in private practice, she lectures around the country and has appeared at Harvard University, the World Alzheimer’s Congress, the National Alzheimer’s
Association and the American Geriatric Psychiatry Association.

CONNIE YOUNG

Gainesville