Day care for Alzheimer's disease. Profile of one program.

In its first year of operation, the Alzheimer's Disease Day Treatment Program has proved beneficial to both patients and families. The program has aided family members in acceptance of the illness through education, in practical problem solving through information, and in reduction of the burden of care through respite. Family members have learned how to manage their feelings and have increased their insight into the determinants of patient behavior. In learning to cope with the illness, they have helped both themselves and the patient.