Alzheimer's Associations

The Alzheimer’s Association provides supportive programs and services to help people struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers. Each chapter in the nationwide network offers the five core services described below. In addition, some chapters offer special programs, including assistance to individuals with Alzheimer’s who live alone, people living with the early onset of Alzheimer’s, rural and/or multicultural outreach, care coordination services, and training programs for families and professionals.
Alzheimer’s Association’s core programs and services:
Information and referral — A chapter helpline provides emotional support, information about Alzheimer’s and related disorders, chapter services and referrals to community resources. Chapters maintain updated information on home care, adult day care, care coordination, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, eldercare lawyers, financial planners and transportation. Staff and trained volunteers help assess whether a specific care provider meets the individual needs of a person with Alzheimer’s. Other information services include:

24/7 helpline for local referrals
Chapter website resources and links
Access to resources at the association’s Green-Field Library 
Portfolio of publications about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, financial issues and legal matters

Care consultation — Dedicated professional staff help navigate the difficult decisions and uncertainties people with Alzheimer’s and their families face at every stage of the disease. Employees provide services by telephone, email or in person. These include:

Assessment of needs
Assistance with planning and problem solving
Providing supportive listening

Support groups — Trained individuals hold peer and professional support groups for children, people with early stages of Alzheimer’s, adult caregivers and others.

Safety services — Alzheimer’s Association chapters promote and encourage people with the disease to enroll in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®. When a person with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder wanders from home or has a medical emergency, the chapter provides support to the family and assists law enforcement.

Education — Alzheimer’s Association chapters maintain a variety of educational materials (e.g., brochures, videos, audiotapes and books) on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Topics include basic information about the disease, getting a diagnosis, communication techniques, home safety tips, choosing a residential care setting, caregiving experiences and activity programming. There are educational programs for the general public, individuals with the disease, affected families, and health care and social service professionals. Chapters also provide customized speaking engagements upon request. Some educational programs offer continuing education (CE) or continuing medical education (CME) credits.

Local chapter programs are tailored to the communities they serve, so the services and types of programs available vary from chapter to chapter. Find out more about the services located in your community by contacting your local Alzheimer’s Association.

Source: Alzheimer’s Association