Utah State University has recently established a dementia caregiver clinic to offer free assistance to those looking after elderly individuals with dementia and their families.
This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center (ADRC) and the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence. Clinical services for dementia patients and their caregivers began in August, funded by a grant from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
The goal of the clinic is to provide education, services, and support to residents in Northern Utah and rural areas beyond the Wasatch Front, according to ADRC Director Beth Fauth. The clinic, which aims to serve 200 people annually, is available for residents of three Utah counties and offers telehealth services for caregivers outside of these areas.
Services provided include dementia care from a team of experts in various fields, as well as caregiver support. Assessments and screenings are conducted to better understand the needs of patients and caregivers. The clinic also offers resources such as support groups, transportation assistance, and estate planning recommendations.
As the clinic continues to grow, plans are being made to expand operations and potentially establish partnerships with other communities to provide clinical appointments on-site. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all individuals caring for loved ones with dementia have access to the support and resources they need.
