SHARP FAQ

What is SHARP and what does it offer my loved ones?
SHARP stands for Selfhelp Alzheimer’s Resource Program. It is a Social Adult Day Care Program that provides supervised recreation for people with a medical diagnosis of memory and cognitive impairment. SHARP approaches each individual as a valued, mature adult helping to enhance self-esteem and promote his or her success. The program focuses on preserving and maximizing the healthy and positive aspects of each personality and the capabilities that remain.

Who is eligible to participate in the SHARP program?
The program is open to any individual with a medical diagnosis of early stage memory loss or dementia who can function in a group social program for five hours a day.

What activities does SHARP have?
There are individual and group activities that provide social, physical, and cognitive stimulation enabling participants to remain alert, involved and in contact with the world around them. Music, art, exercise, discussion groups, sports oriented games, word/trivia games, Nintendo Wii, Dakim cognitive stimulation technologies and group celebrations of holidays and special events are all part of SHARP.

What kind of staffing does SHARP provide?
The SHARP professional staff includes recreation specialists, a social worker and program assistants. These highly dedicated and caring staff members are assisted by thoroughly trained and supervised volunteers who have demonstrated extraordinary responsiveness to the needs of persons with dementia.

What kind of support does SHARP offer to caregivers?
Our SHARP staff provides caregivers with information, assistance and emotional support on an ongoing basis and in times of crisis. There are caregiver support groups that enable family members to share common challenges and experiences. SHARP offers primary caregivers hours of relief and respite by providing a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for their loved ones several days per week.

Can SHARP help younger, newly diagnosed individuals, who don’t yet exhibit symptoms?
Yes. SHARP recognizes the importance of early intervention. We schedule weekly therapeutic support and information groups including social, educational and recreational activities for newly diagnosed, early-stage individuals.

How much does SHARP cost?
In order to maintain the high quality of service, our program depends on participant fees. The fee includes lunch and transportation to and from the program.

What do caregivers say about SHARP?
"Your program is the highlight of my father's life. It is the only thing he looks forward to. My thanks to you all.”

"You give us caregivers a break each day which makes all the difference in restoring our tolerance. How can I thank you for all that?"

"You made my mother feel important: she felt as though she was still contributing to something."

"I appreciated the structure you gave to my mother's days. Mother never sat glued to the TV set. I honestly believe that Mother's Alzheimer’s disease progressed as slowly as it did because you forced her to continually use the faculties she had - to their limits. You gave her the impression that she was still worthwhile."

"Thank you for making my life a lot easier to live."