Alzheimer’s Association continues to support families during COVID-19

Sarah Lovegreen
·2 min read
Sarah Lovegreen
Sarah Lovegreen

As COVID-19 continues to bring uncertainty to our lives, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to serving those affected by dementia through a number of local and national resources. Please know that we’re here to help you navigate this disease at all times. Learn more about our services, always free of charge, such as:

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1 (800) 272-3900

The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline provides free support and guidance to individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias across the country. This Helpline provides reliable information, education, referrals, crisis assistance and emotional support to individuals living with the disease, their families, health care professionals and the public. Specialists and master’s-level clinicians answer 300,000 calls each year, and translation services are available in more than 200 languages. Callers are connected to local resources and programs with the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter in their area for ongoing support.

Education classes

Available online, our education programs feature information on topics including the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosis, communication, living with Alzheimer’s and caregiving techniques. Examples of available courses include Know the 10 Signs, Effective Communication Strategies, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body, Legal and Financial Planning, and the Living with Alzheimer's series for caregivers in each stage and for people with Alzheimer’s.

Care consultations

Care consultations are conversations between you, your family and our dementia experts. This free service with our care consultants helps individuals and families navigate through the difficult decisions and uncertainties that is the journey of dementia. Our care consultants will answer questions, find resources and create an individualized action plan for your journey.

Support groups

Our support groups bring together caregivers to offer encouragement, comfort and advice for one another. These groups are for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer's and others dealing with the disease. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. We also offer specialized groups for adult children, individuals with younger-onset and early-stage Alzheimer's and others with specific needs.

Online resources

Community Resource Finder is a database that helps you easily locate dementia resources, programs and services in your area. Resources provided include:

  • Alzheimer's Association programs and services, adult day centers, geriatric care managers, home care, housing options, hospice care, legal services and transportation services (alz.org/crf).

  • The Alzheimer’s Navigator where you can create customized action plans and connect with local support services (www.alzheimersnavigator.org).

  • Caregiver support forum ALZConnected to share thoughts, ask questions and ideas (www.alzconnected.org).

To learn more visit alz.org/greatermissouri or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1 (800) 272-3900 for more information and to get involved.

Sarah Lovegreen is the Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Alzheimer’s Association continues to support families during COVID-19