When the going gets rough and you need free, expert advice on the spot, two Alzheimer’s organizations each have a helpline you can easily access.
1. The Alzheimer’s Association
2. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
(Please note, however, that you should call 911 for emergencies.)
The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 helpline is staffed by 70 highly-trained information specialists. They are backed up by Care Consultants — Master’s level social work counselors. These staff can answer questions, help you process your feelings, assist in problem solving and, when needed, link you to resources at your local Alzheimer’s Association. The Association stresses that you can call as often as needed.
Staff for this helpline – along with those of its 80 chapters – field more than 8,000 calls per week in English and Spanish. In addition they use a translation service, enabling them to offer immediate support in 170 other languages and dialects.
The helpline serves people with memory loss, their family caregivers, health care professionals and the general public.
The staff can help you with:
• Knowing the top 10 signs of Alzheimer’s
• Understanding memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Learning about medications and other treatment options
• Obtaining general information about aging and brain health
• Learning skills to provide quality care and to find the best care from professionals
• Understanding legal, financial and living-arrangement decisions
They can also assist with:
• Confidential care consultation to help with decision-making support, crisis assistance and education on issues families face every day
• Referrals to local community programs, services and ongoing support
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website (www.Alz.org) for further details.
Come Back Early Today: A Memoir of Love, Alzheimer's and Joy
Marie's book tells the powerful 30-year love story of a young American woman and a delightfully eccentric Romanian gentleman and scholar, Edward Theodoru, PhD. A compelling love story, this award-winning book illustrates solutions to 14 specific problems that typically arise when caring for a person with dementia – from denial, diagnosis and difficult behaviors to nursing home and hospice care.
About the author
