United Way Annual Magazine Report 2019
Joan Miller is a former ballet teacher beloved by the thousands of young girls who took lessons at her Palm Beach Ballet Center. A beautiful and strong woman, Miller taught for more than 50 years before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and eventually losing her business and independence.
Miller, who has no family, is now cared for by a former student, Carissa Kranz. As Carissa Kranz began to realize the tremendous time, effort and finances needed to care for an Alzheimer’s patient, Alzheimer’s Community Care stepped in to help. Miller attends one of the agency’s Adult Specialized Day Centers. The center provides care and stimulation for Miller while allowing Kranz to continue her career and find respite from her full-time care-giving duties.
I couldn’t do it without the Day Center. It gives her a reason to get up and get dressed every day. It brings her pleasure and gives her a purpose.
— Carissa Kranz