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The Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center celebrates 10- year anniversary
By Lisa Lungo
On the morning of December 13, 2007, a group of over 40 professionals and community members gathered at Elder Services of Berkshire County for a celebration, the 10th anniversary re-dedication ceremony of the Richard and Rita Gallagher Alzheimer’s Resource Center, which was relocated to a bright and cheerful room at Elder Services, 66 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield.
The Resource Center is a lending library with books, VHS tapes, DVDs, and brochures, providing information on Alzheimer’s disease and issues of caregiving. The newest addition to the Resource Center is a computer connected to many Internet resources such as the website for the Alzheimer’s Association, The National Alliance for Caregiving, and the AgeNet Eldercare Network.
At the rededication ceremony, Ginny Sinkoski from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, recalled that 19 years ago few books were available on Alzheimer’s disease, and now there are so many resources, “It’s a wonderful thing.”
Richard and Rita Gallagher’s daughter Karen Gold spoke of the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease, and the strain managing this disease puts on personal and public resources.
“I’m sure my parents are beaming right now,” rejoiced Gold. “Thank you for having us.”
Elder Services’ Executive Director Robert P. Dean welcomed the group, saying, “How fitting it is that the Resource Center has been moved to a bright room with a window that lets the sun shine in. The Center is meant to serve as a window that lets in the light of hope and healing for those caring for loved ones with this disheartening and distressing disease. The resources have been chosen with this purpose, and are available to the public, either to use here or to take on loan. Please make your colleagues and friends aware of the Center and the other caregiver supports Elder Services offers.”
The Resource Center offers information to family caregivers as well as professionals to help them navigate their journey of caregiving. The Richard and Rita Gallagher Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Resource Center, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242 or stop by and take a look!