21 Sep 2014 CHDC partners with Alzheimer's Arkansas

The Conway Human Development Center has partnered with Alzheimer’s Arkansas to help provide support for caregivers of individuals who are diagnosed with both dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Arkansas families affected by any kind of dementia. Services are free and funds are spent only in Arkansas. While the office is in Little Rock, the staff travels all across the state to reach families who need information and support.

The Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) is a residential treatment facility providing comprehensive services to individuals with intellectual disabilities with intensive medical and/or behavioral needs.

Both CHDC employees Kenneth Priest, a licensed counselor and psychological examiner, and Jennifer Evans, quality assurance analyst, were certified in July 2013 as Alzheimer’s support group facilitators.

As CHDC strives to enhance services provided to all individuals it serves, the center pays close attention to the aging population and what is needed to offer increased support for staff. The support provided to staff ultimately enhances the quality of care for individuals served at CHDC.  

Every month, CHDC hosts an Alzheimer’s Arkansas Support Group Meeting for CHDC employees only. Staff who work directly with individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diagnoses are encouraged to attend.

Additionally, Priest and Evans facilitate a community Alzheimer’s Arkansas Support Group on the second Thursday of the month. This group meeting is open to anyone who wants to attend. 

Priest and Evans are also available for specific group training/meetings for specific residences that need additional support, upon request.

In 2008, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Service, was awarded an Alzheimer’s disease Demonstration Grant to support a project called “Bridging the Gap.” A DVD and book were developed: “When Down Syndrome & Alzheimer’s Meet.”

One of the main objectives of the project was to assess the prevalence and needs of individuals in Arkansas with Down syndrome who have Alzheimer’s disease and to seek ways to better serve them and their family caregivers.  Since this time, CHDC has continued on the path of increasing education, with training provided by Alzheimer’s Arkansas and support provided to staff.

Currently CHDC has 21 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related Alzheimer’s.

For more information, contact Murphy at 501.329.6851 Ext. 217.