Helpline
	Safe Return Program
	Support Groups
	Care Coordination
	Family, Professional and Community Educational Programs

Helpline

Our telephone Helpline provides a toll-free, convenient and confidential way for you to find answers to your questions about Alzheimer’s disease and services that can help. 

The Helpline is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides: 

• Answers to your questions about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• An outlet for you to express your feelings and concerns to someone who understands your situation and can offer practical tips for coping
• Ongoing, unconditional support during the course of the disease
• Insight into the effects the disease will have on the afflicted person and his or her family
• Information on assessment centers, legal and financial issues, home care, adult day care, personal care homes, nursing homes and other resources in your community

To contact the Helpline, phone (800) 272-3900 or click here.

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Safe Return Program

Alzheimer’s disease causes thousands of people in Pennsylvania – and millions across the country – to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces.  They may become disoriented and lost in their neighborhoods or far from home.  The Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is a nationwide identification program that assists in the safe return of individuals who wander and become lost.  The Safe Return Program: 

• Offers assistance 24 hours a day, every day
• Immediately faxes a lost individual’s information to local law enforcement
• Provides a 1-800 number for citizens or law officials to call if an individual is found
• Offers registration for a $40 fee*, which includes an engraved identification bracelet or other I.D. jewelry.  The fee is waived for both bracelets/necklaces for PA. residents.

*Scholarships are available in some areas.  Please call the Helpline for more information.

To learn more about Safe Return, contact the Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or click here for a printable registration form.

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Support Groups

It has been said that Alzheimer’s disease is the cruelest of all illnesses, forcing family and friends to watch their loved ones disappear before their eyes.  As each memory, skill and personality trait vanishes, caregivers face the challenge of maintaining the quality of life for both the affected person and themselves.  Support groups for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are often the primary resource for training, information sharing, and emotional support during the painful journey through this devastating disease. 

No one needs to go through Alzheimer’s disease alone.  We sponsor Support Groups throughout our service area.  All of our support groups offer the opportunity to: 

·        connect with other families and caregivers who are dealing with the disease and reduce feelings of isolation;

·        learn techniques that can help ease the physical and emotional burden for both patient and caregiver

·        share practical ideas and feelings in a supportive setting 

Click here for more information on support groups in your region.

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CARE COORDINATION

Care Coordination is a grouping of services to assist the person with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and/or their families in planning for and dealing with all aspects of the illness experience. Components of Care Coordination include: assessment of needs, assistance with planning and problem solving (which may include the development of an action plan) and provision of support.  Aspects of Care Coordination may include: providing information and making appropriate referrals, supportive listening, and follow-up (as needed). Mechanisms of service delivery can be via telephone, email, in-person contact. 

Care Coordination is not case management, care management, counseling, crisis intervention or case advocacy, but part of the Care Coordination may identify the need for, and refer families to, the appropriate agencies or persons that provide these services, including local Association professionals. 

Care Coordination is not equipped or have trained to provide ongoing case management or crisis intervention. Families with ongoing or extremely critical needs will be linked with resources in the community best able to support them, such as private case managers, aging services or other organizations.  

Care Coordination is offered in the Erie Regional Office; Harrisburg Regional Office; and Pittsburgh Regional office.  Each office has one designated staff member for the Care Coordination Program.

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Family, Professional and Community Educational Programs

The more you know and understand about Alzheimer’s disease, the more equipped you are to cope with it and help its victims.  The Alzheimer’s Association offers many opportunities for families, family caregivers and professional caregivers to learn more about the disease, available services and progress in our search for prevention, treatments and a cure.

To contact your regional office, click here.

Upcoming Events by Regional Office

Community Programs

Invite us into your community so those around you can learn more about Alzheimer’s disease.  We can coordinate presentations at local: 

• Libraries
• Churches
• Community Rooms
• Senior Centers
• and more.

For more information contact your regional office, click here.

Professional Training

The Alzheimer’s Association offers training sessions to enhance care-giving skills and service delivery.  A variety of topics may be covered: 

• Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

• Activities

• Communications Skills

• Managing Behavior Problems

• Medical Overview

• Maintain Relations w/Family

• Managing Staff Stress

For information on scheduled programs and custom-designed, on-site training sessions, contact your regional office by clicking here.

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