Referral and Support Resources for Those Facing Alzheimer’s

* The Alzheimer’s Assn. provides information, referrals and support services to patients and families as well as training for caregivers. For the association’s Los Angeles chapter, call the help line at (800) 660-1993 or go to https://www.alzla.org. For other chapters around the state and nation, call the national help line at (800) 272-3900 or go to https://www.alz.org.

* The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, part of the National Institute on Aging, provides medical and caregiving information on Alzheimer’s. Call (800) 438-4380 or go to https://www.alzheimers.org.

* The Family Caregiver Alliance, which offers Alzheimer’s training programs for families and health-care workers, also has presentations on dementia and approaches to care. Call (415) 434-3388 or go to https://www.caregiver.org.

* The California Department of Aging administers services to elderly Californians, primarily through 33 Area Agencies on Aging that provide services by geographical area. The local agencies have Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers that serve patients and offer respite care as well as training and support for families and professional caregivers. For the local affiliate in your area, dial (800) 510-2020.

* The California Assn. of Homes and Services for the Aging in Sacramento is an advocacy organization representing nonprofit long-term care facilities, and offering training and education to nursing staff. The organization can be reached at (916) 392-5111 or https://www.aging.org.