NORTHEAST PA — The Wright Center for Community Health’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (ADC) Program, based on the award-winning UCLA program, is now listed in a national database of proven, effective dementia care programs. 

Best Programs for Caregiving, a partnership between the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiver Alliance, is a free, searchable and interactive database that helps families and caregivers find the right program for their loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The website includes descriptions of the program, whether it is offered in person or online, information on providers, eligibility criteria, how to enroll, languages offered and more. 

The Wright Center launched the ADC program in 2020 to help patients and families navigate the medical, behavioral and social needs associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The center’s geriatricians, advanced practitioners and dementia care specialists work closely with each patient’s primary care and referring physicians to develop a personalized care plan. 

The program also provides ongoing patient monitoring and round-the-clock access to assistance and advice so patients can avoid emergency department visits and hospitalizations. 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, 6.7 million people aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s dementia in the United States, including over 280,000 in Pennsylvania. The report says there were an estimated 404,000 family caregivers in Pennsylvania in 2022. 

“The Wright Center is very proud of the care we provide to patients and caregivers in this program,” said Nicole Lipinski, director of the geriatric service line. “It’s an honor to be listed in this database, especially as we continue to grow the program and provide patient-centered care for all participants.” 

Go to www.TheWrightCenter.org/services/alzheimers-dementia or call 570/230-0019 for more information about the program. Visit www.benrose.org to learn more about Best Programs for Caregiving.