Georgia Southwestern’s Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) demonstrates once again that it is a leader in caregiver advocacy nationwide having been awarded a $962,000 grant from the U.S. Administration on Community Living (ACL).

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) made the announcement earlier today.

The funding will address service gaps and strengthen existing services of the dementia-capable system in Georgia by developing and delivering evidence-based training for caregivers – both family and direct care workers – to manage the dementia behaviors that are part of the Alzheimer’s journey.

"As the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving works to address the national caregiving crisis, this grant will enable us to provide much needed caregiver support for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease and/or related dementias,” said RCI Executive Director Leisa Easom.

Specifically, the grant award will support the RCI’s efforts to do the following:

1. Develop the Dealing with Dementia Behaviors (DDB) Caregiver Manual and training curriculum

2. Create a corps of DDB trainers within the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Home Health Care, and CARENET staff in Georgia

3. Train AAA and Home Health Care workers as expert consultants serving family caregivers in their homes

4. Train family caregivers through Georgia CARENET and AAA venues

5. Evaluate the impact on an estimated 2,600 individuals over a three-year period

6. Distribute the DDB Caregiver Manual to direct care workers, people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) living alone, those with developmental disabilities, and family caregivers

A unit within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Community Living is the federal agency responsible for increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities, across the lifespan.

Similarly, through research, education, advocacy and training, the RCI promotes the mental health and well-being of individuals, families and professional caregivers. Established in 1987, the RCI is a division of Georgia Southwestern State University, the alma mater of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She serves as president of the Institute's Board of Directors, enhancing her longstanding commitments to family caregiving and mental health.

For additional information, contact the RCI at (229) 928-1234 or visit www.rosalynncarter.org.