THE PLACE TO BE - THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ALZHEIMERSDAY-CARE RESPITE PROGRAM AS A LEVEL I FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL-THERAPY STUDENTS

The Place To Be, a faculty-developed and -coordinated Alzheimer's day- care/respite program, is a model for a Level I fieldwork placement for occupational therapy students. The purpose of the program is to provi de (a) planned, appropriate, and purposeful activities in a predictabl e and safe environment for persons with dementia; (b) respite for fami ly members; and (c) a meaningful and educational fieldwork experience for senior occupational therapy students. The program has proven to be advantageous for persons with Alzheimer's, their families, and occupa tional therapy students. The model can be adapted or expanded for stud ent training in other disciplines.