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Alzheimer's Care in White PlainsBy: Jean Bello Published:
June 28, 2007
http://www.wptimes.com/living_well.php?viewspecific=1&storyid=1462 

The Alzheimer’s Association defines Alzheimer’s disease as a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities and may cause changes in personality and behavior, including anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation, delusion or hallucinations. It is estimated there are currently over five million Americans afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and that by 2030, when all the baby boomers are at least 65, that number will soar. Fortunately, for those living with the disease in and around White Plains, there are options to improve their quality of life and to provide respite for their caregivers.

Named for her mother, the Edna L. Roker Social Adult Day Center, located at 252 Bryant Ave., was established in July 1993 by Miriam R. Horsford, R.N. in response to her mother being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The 6,000-square-foot facility is located on the ground floor of the Memorial United Methodist Church. Executive Director Horsford says the mission of the center is two-fold: to provide individualized care and programming for clients, based on the individuals’ cognitive and physical abilities, and to provide respite for the caregivers. She says, “The ability to be in a group has a positive impact on the client,” adding that they usually see an improvement even with regards to nutrition as it becomes a social experience...
 
The Edna L. Roker Center is currently serving about 30 to 45 clients each day up to a maximum of 60, maintaining a 5-1 client staff ratio, says Associate Director Christina Horsford. She says the center is an alternative to family members providing care 24/7 at home or institutionalizing their loved ones. She likens the center to a club where all members share some form of memory impairment.

Dancing at Edna L. Roker Adult Day Center
In a typical day, clients receive breakfast, lunch and snack, participate in programs including those designed for sensory stimulation and cognitive enhancement, enjoy exercise and yoga classes, art and music classes, field trips and more. Clients can stay up to six days per week, full- or half-days, with transportation provided for full-day clients.
The center has won numerous awards, including the American Red Cross Good Neighbor Award, the Jack and Ina Marash Distinguished Service Award and the Commission of Human Rights Certificate of Appreciation Distinguished Service Award. Miriam Horsford says, “What sets us apart is the grouping based on cognitive skill level. We’re more able to address needs at a more intensive level.” Those interested in more information are invited to call 761-3885 or visit rokeradultdaycenter.com .

The Reporter Dispatch
June 9, 2002

“Senior Center Moves to New Home” By Melissa Klein …“The center now occupies a wing of the Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains, where there is space for activities, a room for quiet relaxation, and an outdoor patio. Most importantly, the center can group those in varying stages of Alzheimer’s together so, while some have coffee and chat over the morning newspaper, another group of more advanced patients, some in wheelchairs, can have movement therapy with an aide’s help”… …“No one needs to go into a nursing home prematurely if the appropriate community resources are available,” she [Miriam Horsford] said.…

The Reporter Dispatch
February 27, 1995

 “Helping People with Alzheimer’s” By Bill Bookman …“Caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease is a tremendous burden for a spouse or other family member. Even in the early stages of the illness, the memory loss and disorientation suffered by the victims require close attention and understanding.”… …“We operate on a basis of one staff member for every three clients”, said [Miriam] Horsford. “We have a mixed skill group here, with people at all different levels and we have to be able to give individualized attention.”…

The Reporter Dispatch
March 15, 1994

“Growing Elderly Population Straining Caregivers,Too” By Andrea Greif …“People who care for their aging relatives at home must grapple with questions… all the time. And as the senior-citizen population in Westchester and Putnam rises, so does the number of people who have to care for them.”… …“My husband needs total care, she [Ruth Froot] said… “ It is difficult being a caregiver,” Froot said. “Access to services is just about nil.”… “It’s [the Roker Center] a quality program - not just a baby-sitting,” Froot said.…

The Reporter Dispatch
June 7, 1993

“Day Care for Adults with Alzheimer’s to Open Next Month” By Gary Stern … “I became frustrated with the lack of resources in the community,” said [Miriam] Horsford… “working full time, I had no programs, no place to bring my mother for help and assistance.The community was not prepared to help.”… …“This is desperately needed,” said Ruth Froot, director of the Tuckahoe Senior center, whose husband, Howard, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago… “I looked all over for a program that was affordable and good and could not find one. Normal senior centers do not have staff to accommodate Alzheimer’s patient’s.”…