Retired York University professor Allan Carswell and his wife Helen have supported many philanthropic causes over the course of their 68 years together, both at York University and elsewhere. But their latest philanthropic effort is their most personal.
Helen Carswell has been living with Alzheimer's Disease for two decades. Her husband Allan is passionate about the need for research into the value of the type of dementia day programs and respite services that have meant so much to both of them in the past few years.
Today (9/17), in honour of Helen Carswell and in recognition of World Alzheimer's Month, York University and the Alzheimer Society of York Region announced a joint $2.26 million partnership to research Alzheimer's and dementia care. Funded by the Carswell Family Foundation, this gift will be used to advance research into the efficacy of dementia day programs, respite services, and various models of care as well as the benefits of integrating support for caregivers into the programming.