PATCHOGUE, NY – MARCH 1, 2006– St. Joseph’s College is pleased to announce a new initiative and recent collaboration with Alzheimer’s Association Long Island (AALI) in developing a comprehensive training program specific to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Designed to provide continuing staff education and training for long-term healthcare professionals, the new program will assist adult healthcare facilities and assisted-living residences in meeting updated and revised guidelines and regulations mandated by the State.

“There is an absolute need to train professional caregivers in this area and we feel this unique program will provide insight and additional educational training specific to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” said Dr. Gail Lamberta, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Recreation Department at St. Joseph’s College. “Our collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association goes beyond the educational component. We share similar goals and together are making societal differences.”

The curriculum, which covers the process and development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and communication skills for those working with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, was also designed to provide effective and meaningful activities, support services and stress management techniques for caregivers as well as patients and their families.

“As our population continues to age, we recognize the need for improved, quality care for individuals facing diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We are pleased that St. Joseph’s has joined us in our quest to train every professional caregiver here on Long Island so that they clearly understand the challenges presented by this devastating disease,” said Mary Ann Malack-Ragona, Executive Director & CEO for Alzheimer’s Association Long Island.

A pilot class for the 3-credit, 5-module course launched in late January 2006 at the Suffolk campus of St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. In March 2006, administrators and nursing supervisors will preview the curriculum at AALI’s Annual Education Conference at the Long Island Sheraton in Hauppauge. That seminar is already filled to capacity.

Plans are underway to offer at least four additional classes at off-site locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties by September 2006. Future collaborative efforts between St. Joseph’s College and AALI are to work with additional New York Alzheimer’s Chapters to develop a statewide training program and to obtain national accreditation.

For more information, please contact Dr. Gail Lamberta at (631) 447-3313 or via email at glamberta@sjcny.edu.

About St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Long Island, the College offers degrees in over 21 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Adult and Professional Education. Graduate degrees are also offered including an Executive MBA, a Master of Science in Management, a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Literacy/Cognition and a Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education.