Third Alzheimer’s sanctuary in U.S. is dedicated in Yonkers

The third outdoor sanctuary established in the U.S. by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has been dedicated in Yonkers. It’s the first such sanctuary in Westchester County. The foundation worked with the city’s Department of Parks Recreation & Conservation to create the Yonkers Respite Sanctuary, a gazebo and adjacent area at the corner of Dock Street and Peene Lane and adjacent to the Hudson River. It’s intended to serve Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. Two similar facilities are in place on Long Island.

The Yonkers Respite Sanctuary for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers.

According to Steve Sansone, the Yonkers parks commissioner, “This sanctuary affords impeccable views and the sereneness of the Hudson River. It is a unique destination for those facing dementia or in need of meditation or socialization.”

The sanctuary, which was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 3, features educational kiosks that provide information about about Alzheimer’s disease including ways to avoid caregiver burnout and build caregiver skills.

“There are more than 6 million people that are living with Alzheimer’s disease throughout this nation; right here in the state of New York more than 400,000,” Charles Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation for America said. “Isolation is something we never advocate and is something we fight against. We want them to come outside. We want them to come to this park, this peaceful setting here and we want a caregiver to learn about caregiving tips and strategies but we also want them to learn about caregiver burnout.”

Fuschillo said that funding for the sanctuary was received from the Carvel Foundation and the Mother Cabrini Foundation.

From left: Kelly Chiarella, director, Yonkers Office for the Aging; Deputy Mayor Anthony Landi, City Council Majority Leader Tasha Diaz; Mike Spano; Chuck Lesnick, board member, Yonkers Parks, Recreation & Conservation; Bert Brodsky; Charles Fuschillo, Jr.; Steve Sansone; County Legislator Symra Brandon; Councilman John Rubbo; Lisa McKay, deputy parks commissioner.

Bert Brodsky, founder and board chair of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, noted that his mother lived in Yonkers, had Alzheimer’s and spent most of the time in her apartment.

“She had no place to go as a respite area,” Brodsky said. “She stayed in the apartment because there was no place to go. The next mom who unfortunately will suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s will have a place to go, will have a respite area.”

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said that the Yonkers Respite Sanctuary defines the essence of the Yonkers waterfront.

“This allows people living with Alzheimer’s and those caring for them to pause and reflect in a peaceful setting,” Spano said. “The educational resources here will advise them and give them a sense they are not alone in this journey.”