According to a press release from JFS, over 200 organizations filled out applications for the grant, and JFS was the only agency in Ohio to be awarded. They plan to use the funds for its Adult Day Services program.
“Jewish Family Service is thrilled and honored to be one of a select group of agencies to receive a grant from” the CDRI, said JFS CEO Liz Vogel.
“This partnership empowers families to do what’s best for them. For many, that is not an institution. And while there is Medicaid funding for memory care, not everyone qualifies for that or feels that is the right solution for their husband, wife, mom, or dad,” she said. “Jewish Family Service Adult Day Services is bridging the gap by tackling both sides of the problem—enabling couples to stay together in their homes longer. We believe this model could change the approach to navigating dementia.”
The Adult Day Service program provides a space for people who are experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s to socialize with one another. It also provides physical activities like light exercise and movement classes, giving some relief to overworked caregivers by taking on some of the support work.
Multiple studies, including one published in 2024, have shown that these activities can help prevent some dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms and can also be beneficial after the onset.
Research published earlier this year found that healthy lifestyles are linked to better cognitive function in older adults, even among those showing signs of dementia. The study indicates that maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help protect against cognitive decline and enhance “cognitive reserve” in older adults.
One study even revealed that physically fit people had 33 percent less of a chance of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Earlier this summer, the FDA approved a new drug treatment for Alzheimer’s that has been shown to slow down cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, with some researchers estimating that one in ten older Americans have dementia. There are currently 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association started the CDRI this year, thanks to a $25 million grant from the Administration for Community Living, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services branch. For the next five years, the CDRI will funnel $25 million to local providers to increase care availability across the country.
Jewish Family Service will receive online training and ongoing technical support from the CDRI as part of the grant. Additionally, the CDRI will gather data and assess the impact of these projects across all grant recipients to help shape public policy.
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