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Long Distance Caregiving Project
Community
Resources and Services
There are many Resources and Services
for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Below is a list of major resource areas and a brief description of
each which may be helpful.
Adult Day Services
Community-based programs designed to provide mental and physical
stimulation in a safe and therapeutic environment during the day
to the frail elderly and individuals with dementia. These centers
offer an opportunity for social interaction, promote health maintenance,
foster independence and provide respite and support for caregivers.For telephone numbers and locations
of day services centers in your area, call or Helpline.
Adult Protective Services
The current elder and dependent adult reporting law requires certain
individuals to report incidents of abuse to the agencies designated
to investigate such reports and to protect abuse victims. An elderly
person is someone who is 65 years of age or older. There are many
kinds of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Mental abuse
- Neglect
- Self Neglect
- Financial
To report Elder Abuse in Los Angeles County, call: Adult Protective
Services - Centralized intake, (213) 351-5401 (8am to 5pm, Monday
thru Friday), (800) 992-1660 (after hours and Holidays)
Asian American Dementia Care Network
The Asian American Dementia Care Network is a three year demonstration
project that serves Chinese and Korean American families in Los
Angeles. Services include: information and referral, caregiver and
community education, care management, support groups, and respite
subsidies for adult day care or in-home support. Direct services
are provided through two community partner agencies: Chinatown Service
Center and the Korean Health, Education, Information and Research
(KHEIR) Center. Each agency hosts a bilingual Care Advocate to work
with families affected by dementia.
"This
project was supported, in part, by a grant, number 90AZ2787, from
the Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services,
Washington, D.C 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government
sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and
conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily
represent official Administration on Aging policy. This project
is also supported by the California Department of Aging and the
Alzheimer's Association, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino
Counties Chapter."
Autopsy
Specifically examines the tissues of the brain after death. A brain
autopsy confirms the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, contributes
to Alzheimer's research and determines causes of death other than
Alzheimer's disease. Please call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline
for a copy of the autopsy brochure titled, "The Time to Start Thinking
about Autopsy is Now" and to find out where to call to arrange for
an autopsy.
Care (Case) Management
A service which helps older adults and their families identify needs
and explore the best available options and resources to meet those
needs. Care management is especially helpful when the caregiving
family does not live near the patient, e.g. the family lives in
another county or state. The Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles
has supported Care Management services through it's Family Connections,
Long Distance Caregiver, and community outreach programs. The Family
Connections and Long Distance Project can be reached by calling
the Helpline.
Diagnostic Centers
Perform thorough evaluations to determine if a person suffers from
symptoms of the disease. A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease
is made after complete medical, neurological and psychological examinations
rule out other possible causes of the person's symptoms. Be sure
to ask about insurance coverage for diagnostic work-up. To locate
a diagnostic center in Los Angeles, Riverside or San Bernardino Counties, call our Helpline.
Home Care Agencies
Provide several kinds of in-home care
for people with dementia, which include; personal care, health care,
homemaking and companionship. Check the database for specific home
care agencies. Other places to find help are: Churches/Synagogues,
colleges and multipurpose and senior centers.
Helpline
The Alzheimer's Association offers a telephone information
and referral service staffed by trained and dedicated volunteers.
The Helpline provides information about services available in the
community. Call our Helpline for assistance.
Legal and Financial Services
Help families navigate the many legal issues which need to be explored
when a loved one has dementia. Selecting the appropriate attorney
and obtaining accurate information and advice is important. Call our Helpline for legal referral numbers.
Long Distance Caregiver Project
A special project to assist caregivers living outside Los Angeles
County, who are caring for a loved one who lives within Los Angeles
County. Call our Helpline for more information. Placement Facilities
Provide care for people with dementia. The level of care needed
will be determined by the type of facility. Call our Helpline for specific referral numbers to find the appropriate
facility.
Special Resources for Diverse Groups
Provide services to people from varied ethnic communities. Services
may include day care, respite services, information services and
support groups. For information and telephone numbers call our Helpline.
Support Groups
Provide help, support, education and information to concerned family
members caring for someone with a dementia. Click here to download a list of support
groups in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Veterans Administrative Services (VA)
Offers long term care and other geriatric medical services to veterans.
Eligibility depends on discharge status and the Veteran's Administration's
financial situation. To find out whether you are eligible for VA
services, please call the eligibility office at your local VA Medical
Center or call our Helpline.
Safe Return
Offers a special program for anyone with dementia who is at risk
for getting lost. This national identification program assures that
if an individual with an identification bracelet is lost, a toll free number to the registry will be
called and a search for the person will begin.
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