Connections

Provided in partnership by the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services
Board/Area Agency on Aging and the
Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia

The goal of the Connections program is to improve the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer's disease and their family caregivers.  Connections helps build strong connections between family members, lessens stress for caregivers and increases social opportunities for the person receiving care.

Connections is FREE to all residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties.  A person is eligible to participate no matter what the level of dementia or Alzhiemer's.  No formal Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis is required.

For more information, contact the Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Board/Agency on Aging:   (540) 825-3100

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Connections (the book) has been designed to help caregivers structure the day and modify the environment in order to provide an opportunity for engagement in life for their family member. It provides the necessary tools and strategies for an enhanced Caregiver / Care-receiver relationship. To learn more about Connections or to order a copy of the book, please click here.

Core Programs and Services

Support Groups:  Support groups are free and open to the public.  Groups are available to family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and persons in the early stages of memory loss.  The Chapter provides training, support and a quarterly Bulletin to support group facilitators.  A listing of information on all support groups is available at each regional office, please click here.  You can also find information about support groups in other parts of the country on our National web site.

HelpLine:  Our toll-free HelpLine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at (800) 272-3900 to any caller seeking information, or a listening ear.  General information packets are sent to callers along with any specific information the caller has requested.

Home Visitation Program:  In some regions of our Chapter ares, university students

Education:  A variety of educational programs and trainings are offered throughout the Chapter area.  Workshops are offered to facility staff working with persons with dementia, family caregivers, professionals, religious groups, civic organizations, and social service agencies.  Click here

New!  Updated Early-Stage Resource List
Click here for an updated bibliography of early-stage resources.  The listing includes the latest Web Sites, books, videos, and trade publications containing early stage information. Click here

Annual Conference:  Each fall the Chapter hosts an educational Conference for professional and family caregivers.  Nationally acclaimed speakers are invited to present the latest information regarding research, diagnoses, treatment options, and caregiving issues.  Click here 

Library and Resource Center:  A variety of books and videos are available to the public through our lending libraries in each region, and our Chapter office please click here for a complete list of our brochures .  Additionally, special orders can be obtained through National's Green-Field Library.

Home Visitation Program:  Students in related health-care fields of study visit homes.  Students assist caregivers in developing strategies for memory, independence, and structuring the day at home.  Please call Ellen Phipps at (434) 973-6122 or e-mail her at ellen.phipps@alz.org for mor details.

Care Consultation and Rural Outreach:  Family sevices staff are available by appointment to families wishing to discuss the diagnosis and coping strategies.

MedicAlert+SafeReturn:  When a person with dementia wanders or becomes lost, one call immediately activates a community support network to help reunite the lost person with his or her caregiver.  When a person is found, a citizen or law official calls the toll-free 24-hour emergency response number on the identification product and the individual's family or caregivers are contacted.

Our office provides support during search and rescue efforts.  In addition, should medical attention be required, access to a personal health record is immediately available.  For more information please call (800) 272-3900 for a MedicAlert+SafeReturn registration brochure.

Visit alz.org/safetycenter to see Comfortzone and other safety information.

Police and Other First Responder Trainings:  Dementia specific training to Law Enforcement officers, EMTs, and Firefighters is offered in conjunction with Safe Return training.  Contact annie.marrs@alz.org or call (434) 973-6122 to schedule a customized training.

Volunteer Program:  Volunteers play a vital role in our organization.  Volunteer opportunities include answering HelpLine calls, Special Events, Speaker's Bureau, office work, special projects, and more.  To find out more about the volunteer opportunities available in your area, please call our toll-free number at (800) 272-3900.  To find out more about how you can get involved, email andrea.gaines@alz.org.