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The New York City Chapter provides an online tool for listings of the following services. Diagnostic Centers -Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common form of dementia, but there are many other types as well. An evaluation will help to determine what type of dementia a person may have. In addition, it can also be the starting point for understanding the cause of symptoms and determining what treatment is best for the person. When a person is evaluated for dementia, he or she will undergo a series of tests. These tests often include a detailed medical history, a complete physical including laboratory and blood tests, and a neurological examination to test his or her memory, language and orientation. A brain scan such as an MRI or CT scan will also be done. It can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks for all of the test results to come in. Home Care Agencies - Home care is supportive care that is provided in the home of the person with dementia's home. It allows people to remain in the comfort of familiar surroundings throughout the course of the disease. Home care services include personal care, household chores, and health care. Adult Day Care Programs - These are programs that are designed to provide care outside of the home to meet someone’s needs while supporting strengths, abilities, and independence. Participants have the opportunity to interact with others while being a part of a structured environment. Depending on the programs, clinical staff may be on-site to provide clinical services such as, medication administration, personal care assistance, and case management services. Typically, programs are open daily during regular business hours, some on the weekends. Transportation is often offered. Hospice - Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments, with the primary goal of improving the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity. The focus is on caring, not curing. Hospice addresses all the symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling a patient's pain and discomfort. Free Legal Services - Legal and financial planning should begin soon after the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia has been made. As the disease progresses, people with dementia will need to rely on others to act in their best interests. There are free legal services in each borough. Respite Services - Respite care provides caregivers a temporary break from daily caregiving responsibilities. Using respite services can support and strengthen caregivers’ ability to continue taking care of a person with dementia. Respite care services are offered through community organizations, agencies or residential care facilities. Residential respite provides temporary, time-limited care when family members or service providers are unavailable. In-home respite provides home care workers to supervise the person with dementia.
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