The University of Nebraska Medical Center received a grant from the U-S Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to bring online respite care to caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Dr. Steve Bonasera is an associate professor of geriatrics and co-investigator of the grant and says there are an estimated 33,000 Nebraskans with the diseases and that number continues to rise.
Bonasera says their goal is to help the caregiver by lowering their stress and providing the tools they need to provide the necessary care.
Families will be assigned a navigator with expertise in dementia care. Some patients in the study will use smart phones and electronic wristbands to record activity levels and monitor their prescription drug use. Dr. Bonasera says enrollment is underway in the study and they are hoping that 900 families in Nebraska and Iowa take part. For more information call 402-559-6117.
