National call center facilitates finding help for Alzheimers disease

plaque formation in Alzheimers disease[/caption]

Editor and HHS:---More and more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease with families and caregivers needing information and support.  A call center is among the resources for those who need advice and direction, and this is at the national level, designed to meet the needs of the many.

Kathy Greenlee, administrator of the Administration for Community Living, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has granted the Alzheimer’s Association up to $985,135 per year over five years to continue providing a 24-hour phone line for people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who care for them. The information line made possible by this grant provides expert advice, care consultation, counseling and referrals to services that maximize independence and well-being at the national and local levels to callers from 56 states and territories, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In announcing the award, ACL Administrator Kathy Greenlee said, “The National Alzheimer's Call Center exists to support the millions of older adults and their family members across the country who are affected by Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. With the ready assistance that the National Call Center provides, individuals and families can get the support they need to face the challenges associated with dementia and caring for a family member with dementia. Just knowing that others are facing the same issues and finding local help is a huge relief when facing these challenges.”

Through the grant, the Alzheimer’s Association supports and maintains a national network of organizations, effectively linking about 290,000 callers each year to local organizations that provide information on local resources, including such vital programs as respite care, community-based services, support groups and clinical trials participation opportunities. The National Call Center also coordinates with federal initiatives, such as http://www.alzheimers.gov, and makes appropriate referrals to other federally-funded resources, such as the Eldercare Locator.

For the many people who need this resource information, having a call center is a welcome addition to the resources available, given the complexity of the disease and the growing numbers of people diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and needing help.