Alzheimer's Association Signs Beverly Enterprises as a National Corporate Sponsor

Alzheimer's Association
Thursday, 20 February 2003

Partnership to enhance care and support for people affected by Alzheimer's disease

The Alzheimer's Association welcomes the addition of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. as a national corporate sponsor. The partnership will advance the organizations' shared commitment to ensure that those affected by Alzheimer's disease receive the best care and support possible. There are currently 4 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, and another 19 million family members affected by its devastation.

"The Alzheimer's Association is a leader in care standards for those with Alzheimer's disease," said Monique Hanson, director, corporate and foundation relations for the Alzheimer's Association. "Beverly understands the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients and has collaborated with the Alzheimer's Association in providing innovative and individualized care in their facilities. Through this sponsorship we will continue to make the education and training of healthcare professionals and family caregivers a top priority."

Beverly Enterprises is a leading provider of nursing home care in the United States. One hundred and eleven of Beverly's eldercare facilities have separate Alzheimer's care units equipped to handle the special needs of patients with Alzheimer's. The units are designed to give the patient a feeling of freedom while in a safe environment. An integral part of Beverly's Alzheimer's care program is training and ongoing education for their healthcare professionals. The Alzheimer's Association has worked closely with Beverly in the design of its training program, which focuses on enhancing an individual's abilities, not disabilities. The relationship is also active at the local level.

Offering resources for family members is an important part of Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's Association chapters collaborate regularly with local Beverly facilities to organize support groups for families of people affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Since 1998, Beverly Enterprises has chosen the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk as its national charity fundraiser. Beverly nursing homes around the country have worked with local chapters to organize the annual walkathon raising more than $800,000 for research, education and support services in their communities.

"We are pleased to partner with the Alzheimer's Association through our sponsorship," said Darin Hopping, director, business strategy and development for Beverly Enterprises. "The Alzheimer's Association - nationally and locally - has been an avid supporter in the development and ongoing refinement of our extensive training program and care options. Our Alzheimer's residents, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for our Alzheimer's residents continue to benefit from our teamwork, and we look forward to a lasting relationship."

Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: BEV) and its operating subsidiaries comprise a leading provider of healthcare services to the elderly in the United States. They operate 461 skilled nursing facilities, as well as 29 assisted living centers, 53 home care and hospice centers, and 154 outpatient therapy clinics. Through AEGIS Therapies, they also offer rehabilitative services on a contract basis to nursing homes operated by other care providers.

The Alzheimer's Association is the premier source of information and support for the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease. Through its national network of chapters, the association offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long-term care providers. The largest private funder of Alzheimer research in the United States, the association has committed $136 million toward research into the disease.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org