The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in Indian River County affected by memory and movement disorders through support, education, and connection.
They are accomplishing this mission through various programs and services to help residents with memory issues and their caregivers. Each month, free of charge, they provide:
- More than 50 hours of movement classes.
- More than 250 hours of social respite.
- Hundreds of hours of education.
- Community Outreach.
Programs Available in Sebastian
Social Respite
Social Respite is designed to offer caregivers temporary relief as they face the overwhelming challenges of caring for someone with dementia.
The Social Respite program gives caregivers up to six hours of daily free time while their loved ones are engaged with uplifting and meaningful activities. These activities include live music with sing-a-longs, art classes, holiday and birthday celebrations, golf, bingo reminiscence sessions, ring toss, light chair exercises, and overall, one-on-one participant engagement emphasizing social interaction and validation.
This program is offered every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sebastian Yacht Club.
Memory Screenings
A Memory Screening is a series of tasks and questions in a private setting to help establish a baseline of how your memory is rated.
Should you or your loved one be screened?
Anyone experiencing warning signs of dementia, anyone who believes they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness; or anyone whose family and friends have noticed changes in them should be screened.
This program is available at various locations. Please call (772) 563-0505 to make an appointment.
Educational Classes
They offer a wide variety of educational classes, from how to improve your memory, to helping caregivers with relieving stress. Classes are offered in various locations, including the North County Library in Sebastian. Call (772) 563-0505 for dates and times and reserve your spot.
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver was created to quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to wander. It helps find a lost loved one through a transmitter device on their person.
With the dramatic increase in the number of individuals who may be at risk of wandering – because of conditions like Alzheimer’s or Autism, this program strategically combines state-of-the-art locating technologies, innovative search and rescue methods, and community partnerships that provide education to first responders.
Project Lifesaver is available for Sebastian residents. Please call (772) 563-0505 for more information.
Support Groups & Family Guidance
The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County also offers
support groups for caregivers and individuals with memory or movement disorders. These groups provide a vital connection for caregivers seeking timely new ideas, timely information, and overall emotional support that will help them cope with their daily challenges.
Several support groups are offered monthly and are specifically focused, such as a Men’s caregiver support group and movement disorder support groups. These groups range in size from 3 to 12.
Call (772) 563-0505 for times, locations, or zoom links so you can attend.
Dementia Experience
The Dementia Experience program gives families the opportunity to feel what it’s like to have dementia and provides perspective and understanding for those with memory disorders. Available at multiple locations and is available to come to you. Please call for more information if interested.
Activity Kits
The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County will even mail activity kits to your doorstep. They have eight uniquely themed activity kits. Art therapy to Fitness, these activity kits give you all you need to conduct activities with your loved one, all in a personally packed box.
For more information about these programs, visit the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC website or call (772) 563-0505.
