As a 501(c)3 organization, Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) is dedicated to providing charitable services and support for persons with impaired cognition and their caregivers. It is in keeping with this mission that ACV is excited to announce the opening of a screening center for Alzheimer’s and other dementias on November 1.

Staffed by a geriatric nurse practitioner and a master’s prepared social worker, the ACV Screening Center helps promote early detection by sharing the patient’s evidenced-based findings with their health care professionals to more effectively engage in the diagnoses process. This time-saving step provides primary care physicians, in particular, with information necessary to expedite a proper plan of care for their patients with cognitive impairment. In addition, the information collected from the assessment process will help determine how ACV can continue to serve as a resource for the person with dementia, their caregiver and family.

Using the information gathered from the patient and their caregiver, screening center staff will assess where modifiable factors can be changed or enhanced to benefit the patient and the caregiver; timely referrals for further diagnostics, follow-up medical care and treatment options will also be offered. Located in the ACV office in Palm Desert, the screening center features a welcoming environment with a separate entrance. Services are available on Fridays by appointment.

ACV was founded in 2017 with a focus on assisting Coachella Valley residents with cognitive impairment and their families by providing resources, up-to-date information, and most importantly, socialization. Cognitive impairment includes all areas of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s dementia disease, vascular dementia and various other diagnoses. Ongoing programs and services support all those affected by helping to build needed skills, learning how to manage behaviors and preparing for the future. Many of the programs involve both the one who is diagnosed as well as their caregiver/family member. All programs are available at no charge, including the services provided by the ACV Screening Center.

The screening center is just one of the many programs offered by ACV. Other free services include:

Support groups (online and in-person)
8-week social and educational program for both caregivers and the loved one with dementia
Club Journey, a weekly program that includes music, exercise, games, conversation and lunch
Breathing Space, a scholarship program for families to temporarily hire a licensed caregiver for their loved one with dementia
Dementia caregiver training taught by a registered nurse where professional caregivers learn best practices to care for clients with dementia, while earning continuing education credits
Meaningful Conversations, a two-part series that helps families, friends and caregivers prepare for positive conversational experiences, which helps to alleviate stress for both the person with the diagnosis and the visitor

Alzheimers Coachella Valley is a community resource for dementia support and education. For more information call (760) 776.3100. www.cvalzheimers.org.