Additional Help Now Available for Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers

By Jane Farrell

Thanks to expanded hours for The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)’s national toll-free help line, patients and caregivers will have additional opportunities to talk about their concerns with the organization.

The helpline, which was previously open Monday through Saturday, has added Sunday hours.

AFA’s helpline, (866-232-8484), staffed entirely by licensed social workers trained in dementia care, fields calls from family and professional caregivers alike, as well as individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Through the helpline, AFA’s social workers answer questions, offer tips and strategies and provide referrals to local services in the caller’s area, no matter where in the United States they live. AFA’s social workers are also available via Skype, live chat, and e-mail.

“Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t only affect people during normal business hours; oftentimes, nights and weekends are when families need help the most,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president & CEO. “Expanding our helpline to now be able to serve individuals seven days a week is another way to help support all those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and give them a place to turn in their time of need.”

“AFA is able to provide a tremendous value to the national care community. Having a licensed social worker pick up the phone ready to listen, support, and point you in the right direction is a great offering when someone is in need. No scripts, no answering service, no triage, just a licensed social worker ready and available to help you,” said Molly Fogel, AFA’s Director of Education and Social Services.

The new helpline hours are:

• Monday-Friday, 9 am to 9 pm (ET)
• Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm (ET)
• Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm (ET)

Patients and caregivers can also visit the AFA’s website.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a nonprofit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families.