Finding the right help for a person with dementia requires knowing which professional to contact for a specific need. For urgent matters, the proper authorities can be life-saving. For day-to-day challenges, national and local organizations offer a deep well of information and support. It is important to build a team of contacts over time to manage the varied aspects of care.
National Organizations and 24/7 Helplines
For immediate advice, information, and emotional support, a number of national organizations provide free, confidential assistance around the clock. These are often the best first point of contact for new caregivers or for anyone needing guidance on a challenging situation.
- The Alzheimer's Association: The 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 is staffed by specialists and master's-level clinicians. This service can provide information on dementia, guidance on behaviors, and referrals to local resources and support groups.
- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA): The AFA's helpline at 866.232.8484 is staffed entirely by licensed social workers trained specifically in dementia care. They can assist with issues ranging from managing behavioral changes to finding local care services.
- Dementia Society of America: This organization offers a hotline at 800.336.3684 for information about various forms of dementia.
Contacts for Medical and Crisis Situations
In a crisis, the correct response is critical for the safety and well-being of the patient. Knowing when to call emergency services versus a specialized hotline can prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.
Emergency Medical Situations
If the person with dementia is in a medical crisis, such as a fall, serious injury, or a life-threatening health event, call 9-1-1. When speaking with the dispatcher or first responders, clearly state that the patient has dementia.
- For a missing person with dementia: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Explain that the person has dementia and provide a recent photo and a description. Enrollment in a service like Project Lifesaver or having a medical ID bracelet can help responders locate them more quickly.
- For behavioral crises: The Alzheimer's Association helpline (800.272.3900) is a valuable resource for de-escalating challenging behaviors. For severe, uncontrollable aggression or dangerous behavior, calling 9-1-1 may be necessary if the situation is unsafe.
Government Agencies and Resources
Government-funded services can help with navigating long-term care, financial burdens, and veterans' benefits. Many of these resources are accessed through centralized locator services.
- Eldercare Locator: This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects older Americans and their caregivers with resources for community support. You can call 800.677.1116 to find local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for assistance with everything from home care to adult day services.
- Benefits.gov: This website helps you find out which government benefits, such as Medicaid, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), and veteran benefits, you or your loved one may be eligible for.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides a range of services for veterans with dementia, including in-home care, long-term residential care, and respite for caregivers. Veterans can access support through the VA caregiver website or by calling 855.260.3274.
Finding Local Community Support
Connecting with local organizations can provide personalized support, from respite care to support groups and meal delivery services. You can often find these services through the national organizations or by using online databases.
- Local Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association: These chapters offer localized programs, face-to-face support groups, and educational workshops. The Alzheimer's Association's Community Resource Finder is an excellent online tool for finding local resources.
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA): As mentioned, the Eldercare Locator can direct you to your local AAA, which addresses the specific needs of older persons at the regional and local levels, including long-term support services.
- Faith-Based Organizations: Many local faith-based groups and communities provide networks of volunteers who can assist with transportation, visiting, or providing meals.
Comparison Table: Key Contacts for Dementia Support
| Type of Help | Primary Contact | Secondary Contact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Support/Advice | Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) | AFA Helpline (866.232.8484) | Initial diagnosis questions, understanding behaviors, finding local services. |
| Emergency Crisis (Immediate Danger) | 9-1-1 | Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) | Missing person, severe aggression, medical emergencies. |
| Financial/Legal Planning | Benefits.gov or Eldercare Locator (800.677.1116) | Financial planner specializing in elder care | Finding government benefits like Medicaid; long-term financial strategies. |
| Caregiver Respite | Eldercare Locator (800.677.1116) | ARCH National Respite Locator | Finding temporary care services to give caregivers a break. |
| Long-Term Care Placement | Eldercare Locator (800.677.1116) | Community Resource Finder | Discovering assisted living, nursing homes, and other residential options. |
| Veterans' Benefits | Veterans Administration (VA) Caregiver Support Line (855.260.3274) | Benefits.gov | Information on VA services for veterans with dementia and their caregivers. |
| Everyday Non-Medical Care | Eldercare Locator (800.677.1116) | Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) | Accessing services like Meals on Wheels, adult day care, and transportation. |
Conclusion
Navigating dementia care is a complex and often overwhelming process, but knowing who do I call about dementia patients is the critical first step towards finding the help you need. By leveraging the resources available through national helplines, government agencies, and local community organizations, caregivers can build a strong support system. The most important takeaway is that you do not have to face this challenge alone. Whether it's a crisis situation or planning for the future, a call to the Alzheimer's Association or the Eldercare Locator can connect you to compassionate and knowledgeable professionals who can guide you to the right next steps.
Authoritative Outbound Link
For more information on finding services and managing daily care, the National Institute on Aging provides extensive resources for caregivers. [https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving/getting-help-alzheimers-caregiving]
