A model for supporting Alzheimer's disease caregiving: The Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and caregiving are inherently linked. Most care for persons with AD is provided by family caregivers. If family caregivers are to be effective in their role over the long term, there must be greater support of their needs through supportive interventions and policy change. The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation funded the Family Caregiver Alliance to design and manage the Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer Disease Caregiving Legacy Award. The Award stimulates innovation in the field of AD caregiving and rewards organizations that are leading the way in addressing the needs of AD caregivers. The awards recognize organizations that exemplify creativity, dedication, outstanding service and innovative strategies in the areas of: Policy and Advocacy; Creative Expression; and Diverse/ Multicultural Communities.

Summary profiles of awardees document practices, innovation, lessons learned and recommendations for replication. Grantee interviews document lessons learned implementing an awards program model to further innovation in the caregiving field.

Results: Implementing a caregiving awards program has generated lessons learned that are useful to other communities, foundations, aging and caregiving professionals, and policy makers.

Discussion: This session will describe a model for supporting Alzheimer's disease caregiving by rewarding innovative intervention programs and policy change strategies. Examples from the 2008 Award recipients highlight working with diverse/multiethnic communities, how the arts rejuvenate caregivers, and how paid family leave policy eases caregiver financial burden. The session will include a discussion of how aging professionals can adapt the awards program at the local level.