ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
Central and Western Virginia Chapter
Core Programs and Services
Respite Care Fund: Financial assistance is provided to caregivers who need temporary relief from caregiving. If you are caring for someone with memory loss and you would like time off, call us today! The Alzheimer's Association provides financial assistance to caregivers. Applications are available through the regional offices or click here for the respite letter and application (4 page document). Eligibility requirements are that the person has a diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease or related disorder and lives with the caregiver. Respite care must be provided by a professional caregiver, such as an in-home sitter, or, by a facility providing over night care, or Adult Day Care.
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, and in the Chapter Newsletter , and on our web site.
HelpLine: Our toll-free HelpLine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 1-800-272-3900 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.
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.
Annual Conference: Each year the Chapter holds educational Conferences for over 300 professional and family caregivers. Nationally acclaimed speakers are invited to present the latest information regarding research, diagnoses, treatment options, and caregiving issues.
Library and Resource Center: A variety of books and videos is available to the public through our lending libraries in each region, and our Chapter office. Additionally, special orders can be obtained through National's Green-Field Library.
Care Consultation and Rural Outreach: Famlies are invited to meet with staff or volunteers to receive an assessment of current issues and challenges and to develop an "Action Plan" for coping.
Safe Return: 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.
Safe Return is a life-saving network enabling law-enforcement, emergency response personnel, community agencies, and local citizens to identify memory-impaired individuals and help return them home safely. Please view our national website to register for Safe Return.
Police Trainings: Dementia specific training to Law Enforcement officers is offered in conjunction with Safe Return 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 1-800-272-3900.
