By: Alzheimer’s Association Staff
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer’s research & support. The Association is the top private funder of research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The Association also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition, their families, and their caregivers. The following programs and services directly impact the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and their families:
Helpline: Toll-free: 1-866-259-0042 The Alzheimer’s Association’s Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to any caller or visitor in need. Trained Helpline specialists who are sensitive to the strains and stress of dementia provide information, counseling, referrals, and assistance.
Support Groups: Support groups are available and meet regularly throughout the National Capital Area. They allow families to meet other caregivers and share experiences, coping skills and caregiving tips while developing life-long relationships.
Participants gain friendships and emotional support and learn new ways to manage their caregiving situations. Groups are facilitated by trained leaders, many of whom have experience with Alzheimer’s disease. Groups are free of charge and open to anyone in the community. Community Education and Outreach Chapter educational activities extend into many parts of the community through:
• Workshops and conferences that offer practical information, research updates, caregiving techniques and skill-building training to family caregivers and professional staff from long-term care organizations
• Health fairs
• Presentations to schools, civic organizations, service clubs, and the faith and business communities
• Library with extensive collection of books, videos, and periodicals
Safe Return Program: Getting lost, walking away from home, and forgetting one’s address and telephone number are common and potentially life-threatening behaviors for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 70% of those who have the disease wander or become lost at some time.
Safe Return provides registrants and their families with identification materials that help law enforcement and good samaritans keep families connected. More than 97% of those registered in Safe Return are returned safely when they wander or become lost, compared to 57% who are not registered.
Advocacy: The Chapter works to protect the legal, financial, and long-term health care security of people with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. National Capital Area Chapter members are vital to our advocacy efforts at all levels of government in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Funding Research: The Chapter supports research programs that advance efforts to prevent, cure, and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
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