Free services for dementia patients and families
The Alzheimer’s Brain Bus will make a stop in Bradford County on Thursday, Feb 1, and in Union County on Monday, Feb 19, to provide free support services to families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The bus will be at the Bradford County Health Department (1801 N. Temple Ave. in Starke) and at the Union County government offices (15 NE First St. in Lake Butler).
The bus will be available at the Bradford County Health Department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the Union County Board of County Commissioners from 4-8 p.m. Trained staff will be onsite to help families navigate caregiving challenges, understand steps to get an accurate diagnosis and connect to local resources. No appointment is necessary.
“Alzheimer’s impacts the entire family and broader community,” said Rob Harris, Brain Bus program manager. “We are here to support those facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia today and in the future, to make Florida a better place to age. We hope anyone with questions will stop by.”
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Currently, 11.7% of Bradford County residents and 10.7% of Union County residents age 65 and up are living with Alzheimer’s. Statewide, the number of Floridians living with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase to 720,000 by 2025, a 24% increase since 2020.
Unique to Florida, the Brain Bus program is managed by the Alzheimer’s Association Florida chapters and funded in partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs and Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas. Two mobile vehicles travel the state providing dementia education and resources to at-risk and heavily impacted communities.
The Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter works in 43 counties to provide education and support, advocate for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia, and advance critical research to develop new treatments, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. For more information, including upcoming programs and support groups, call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/CNFL.
