The Alzheimer's Foundation of America has given the town of Babylon a $25,000 grant to build a respite park on the western side. Once completed, the renovated area will provide an outdoor space for people with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
As Senator Charlest Fuschillo Jr., a former state center who's now the CEO and president of the Alzheimer's Foundation, told Newsday:
“We wanted to create a place that would enable a caregiver to bring their loved one to a peaceful outdoor setting.”
Organizations that give out grant money and funding to municipalities often use marketing services to let towns known of the application process and the deadlines. Organizations such as the Alzheimer's Foundation also often partner with local groups to provide outreach and support to those who are affected by the disease. It is estimated that more than 5.5 million people in the US have Alzheimer's.
The main feature of the new respite park will be a gazebo that will have USB plugs, where people can charge their phones or listen to MP3 players. There will also be colorful plantings around the area. Both music and color can be beneficial to people suffering from dementia.
Other updates to the park include wider walkways and information cards with fact about Alzheimer's and dementia.
The project is expected to be completed over the course of the next few weeks.