Alzheimer's Project Receives $20,000 for Caregiver Support Groups

November 16, 2020

The group holds a large ceremonial check

VITAS General Manager Kenn Wallace and Team Manager Greta Gregory presented the check to Alzheimer’s Project Executive Director John Trombetta, Executive Board member Recie Culpepper, and Respite Program Coordinator Mindy Towler.

PANAMA CITY, FL — VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, is supporting caregivers in Florida’s Big Bend by funding support groups to help them cope with the emotional challenges of caring for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Kenn Wallace, general manager of VITAS in Panama City, presented a $20,000 check on November 13, 2020, to Tallahassee-based Alzheimer’s Project, which helps caregivers in Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson and Washington counties.

“VITAS understands the stresses and emotions experienced by family members and caregivers,” Wallace said. “It’s our privilege to help by linking our community to Alzheimer’s experts, resources and like-minded individuals who can both comfort the caregiver and help them provide better care to their loved ones.”

The Alzheimer’s Project provides free resources, services and volunteers to help caregivers cope with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a loved one with a serious memory disorder. The non-profit organization, funded primarily through grants and private donations, has served the Big Bend area for nearly 30 years.

“Our goal is to help caregivers sustain a healthy quality of life as they care for a family member with Alzheimer’s, and to provide a comfortable, dignified quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said John Trombetta, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Project.

“This generous donation by VITAS couldn’t have come at a better time. It will bring much-needed stability to our mission of supporting the emotional health of caregivers and the overall health of their loved ones.”

VITAS began providing hospice care to patients and families in a six-county area surrounding Panama City in July 2020, including Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties.

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