New ACV screening center will offer free testing for cognitive impairment

In its continued efforts to provide support to the growing number of those in the desert with cognitive impairment and their families, ACV (Alzheimers Coachella Valley) has announced it will open a screening center in November. Located in its offices at 42-600 Cook Street in Palm Desert, the center will be staffed by Kathleen Lubanski, a geriatric nurse practitioner, and Nan Scholhamer, a geriatric social worker. Screenings are free and will be available by appointment on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Heading into its fifth year, ACV provides free support and services to Coachella Valley residents living with cognitive impairment, their families and care partners. The community-based screening center, the first of its kind in the valley, is the latest addition to the fast-growing nonprofit organization which develops programs based on the needs and suggestions of its local clientele and keeps all the funds it raises in the Coachella Valley.

“Adding the screening center was a long-term goal for ACV,” said board president Dom Calvano. “But it became a reality sooner than we thought possible thanks to the overwhelming support of our generous donors. Now that it’s about to open, we can focus on offering naming opportunities for it.”

There is no medical testing or machinery involved in the screening. During the hour-long, one-on-one session, Lubanski uses a series of evidence-based tools including the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination, which comprises a series of questions created to detect mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

She also does a fall assessment and a medication review. Clients are asked to bring all their medications, vitamins and supplements to their appointment. Lubanski then compiles a comprehensive list for the client’s physician. “Often the physician is unaware of the various items the patient is taking,” Lubanski said. “Basically, it’s data collection.”

While Lubanski meets with the client, Scholhamer interviews the family to track the trajectory of the illness and get a better understanding of who the client is and what support the family needs to care for their loved one.

“It's absolutely critical to help a family who is beginning a journey that can take many, many years,” Scholhamer said. “And it's a journey for which there are very few guideposts. If we can start arranging services for them — planning for legal issues, long term care planning, etcetera — the better that journey will be for both the person with the dementing illness and the caregivers.”

After their individual sessions, Lubanski and Scholhamer meet with the client and family together and review their findings. They also send a copy of the results to the client’s physician to determine if diagnostic follow up testing is needed.

“We want to address factors that can be modified,” Lubanski said. “We're looking at the individual as a holistic person, a well person. We want to address everything in that aspect. So, for instance, we may have the caregiver or family follow up with a dentist to make sure the client’s teeth are in alignment so they can chew well. Foot care is an issue as is making sure that they can see and hear properly. These sensory aspects play a huge part in one's wellness but often get neglected or forgotten. We want to make sure that if there's any medical condition, that it’s being addressed.”

Tours of the new screening center will be offered at ACV’s annual open house at its Palm Desert headquarters on Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Lubanski and Scholhamer will be available to explain the assessment process and answer questions.

In addition, ACV will showcase programs, introduce staff and volunteers and offer those interested in its services an opportunity to learn more about the organization in an informal social setting. The organization will also honor Donald Beck with the inaugural Chuck Olson Caregiver Award.

For more information on the open house and ACV, call (760) 776-3100 or visit cvalzheimers.org.

Ellen Bluestein is a freelance writer and event producer. She has been working in fund development, marketing and event production for the majority of her career. Originally from Boston, she moved to the Coachella Valley in 2018.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: ACV screening center will offer free testing for cognitive impairment