Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating diagnosis at any age, but especially before the age of 30. Nikki Dodson’s family experienced this diagnosis firsthand. One week before her husband Ken celebrated his 30th birthday he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Since then, Nikki has become an outspoken advocate for Alzheimer’s research and care. She has had conversations with legislators in Lansing and Washington D.C., has written a book about their experience, and her family is featured in a documentary, This is Alzheimer’s, created by Seth and Lauren Rogen.
An Idea is Formed
Through working with the Alzheimer’s Association for the past ten years, Nikki was able to explore the best care options for Alzheimer patients. Her work with nursing homes and assisted living facilities helped her realize that receiving visitors, especially young visitors, seemed to have positive effects on the Alzheimer’s patients.
She also discovered two things from her interactions with the staff at these facilities. First, the facilities struggle to attract and retain a skilled and talented workforce due to employee childcare issues. Second, Lenawee County had a desperate need for a second shift childcare facility.
A Business is Born
Nikki’s experiences led her to a business idea that would help to solve these two issues she identified. It also allows her to introduce the unique concept of intergenerational interaction into the community.
Her business, the Lenawee Intergenerational Learning Academy (LILA), is a day care with a unique twist. LILA opens earlier and remains open later than other child care facilities, filling a gap in the county for second shift child care in Blissfield, Michigan. The feature that truly makes LILA unique is its intergenerational program. Nikki partners with other organizations, like assisted living facilities, to participate in field trips and shared activities. LILA even brings in “professional snugglers” for the infants.
“There are a ton of studies that have been done on this concept,” Dodson shared. “This type of facility is very popular on the west coast. It’s good for seniors and good for kids.”
These studies show that reading scores and IQ scores are higher with children that are exposed to these types of experiences. “It’s fabulous,” explained Dodson. “I’m really excited to implement this and see the results.”
Help to Make it Happen
Early on in the process of launching her business, Dodson was connected with Lenawee Now. “They have been marvelous to work with,” said Dodson. “Not only in connecting me with financing, but in helping me do all the work necessary to start a business. They have given advice when needed and directed me to the appropriate resources when necessary.”
LILA is opening in two locations: Blissfield and Adrian. At a recent event to celebrate the opening, Lenawee Now presented the Dodsons with a check for $60,000 from the Lenawee Investment Opportunity Network (LION) Fund.
“LILA was one of the first recipients of financing from the LION Fund,” said Tim Robinson, Director of Operations at Lenawee Now. “Investors saw that not only did this make business sense, but it would be great for our entire community.”
A Different Kind of Care
Open seven days a week from 5 AM until midnight, including holidays, LILA will provide childcare options for both first and second shift workers. They will also provide options for nurses that work 12-hour shifts.
“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and leaving their children home alone,” said Dodson.
Her program includes a full food plan, covering all meals, snacks, and formula for infants. Also included in tuition are diapers, dentist visits at the center through Smiles on Wheels, and haircuts.
“Parents are busy. I want to give them one less thing to worry about,” explained Dodson.
She is also licensed for respite care and full-time care for special needs children and offers date night care on Friday and Saturday evenings. “We aim to provide inclusive care for all families in Lenawee County,” said Dodson. “Parents should be able to go out and enjoy some time alone and be comfortable knowing that their kids are in a safe environment.”
Success Continues
Her programs have generated quite a bit of interest in the community. “My phone is ringing off the hook,” said Dodson. The demand for her type of facility is quite high, even more than expected.
Lenawee Now has spread news of her success to other communities and now employers and economic development organizations in other areas are contacting her to expand her business beyond the two initial locations in Lenawee County.
“We have plans for facilities in Morenci and Britton next,” explained Dodson. “But I have Hillsdale, Monroe, and Jackson County all contacting me to expand. This is turning into something very large.”
Other stories about Nikki and Ken:
https://hilarityforcharity.org/stories/name-of-story-goes-right-here-4/
http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/man-diagnosed-with-alzheimers-at-29-family-shares-their-battle
http://bmwphotoproject.blogspot.com/2017/01/meet-ken.html