Living with Alzheimer’s disease? Local chapter provides a world of support
By Lynn Anderson
If Alzheimer’s disease is a part of your life, you are not alone. That’s the most crucial message that the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter wants to convey. With its main office in Prairie Village and branch offices in Topeka and Parsons, Kan., and Kansas City and St. Joseph, Mo., the chapter serves 66 counties.
Finding help locally
The Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter is a trusted nonprofit resource for information, education, training, support programs, and services to more than 50,000 individuals and nearly 200,000 family members and care partners suffering the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Its mission is to provide education and leadership to enhance care and support services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease while supporting efforts to eliminate the disease. It’s vision? A world without Alzheimer’s disease.
The chapter offers a multitude of programs, services, and educational programs for individuals with memory loss and their families, as well as care partners and community members. Here’s just a sampling:
Information and support line. The Alzheimer’s Association information and support line (800-272-3900) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with Spanish-speaking staff and information available in a host of other languages. Staff are highly trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Call the line if you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss, medications and treatment options, brain health, caregiving tips, respite care, services in the community, or referrals—or emotional support, if that is what you need most. Staff of the association know that living with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming.
Care consultation. Navigating through the difficult decisions people with Alzheimer’s and their families face at every stage of the disease can be extraordinarily difficult. Care consultation services include assessment of needs, help with planning and problem solving, and supportive listening.
Early-stage support. Early-stage support groups provide information, discussion, and inspiration through an honest exchange of how participants are coping and continuing on with good and productive lives. If you are considering joining an early-stage support group, call for an orientation before attending. The orientation allows discussion about the group and gives opportunities to ask questions and be sure the group is the right fit for you.
Message boards. Alzheimer’s Association message boards and chat rooms provide an online community for persons with early-stage Alzheimer’s and care providers. The message boards have thousands of registered members from around the United States and thousands more who refer to the stories and information that is available there 24 hours a day.
“Taking Control” series. This two-week educational series is for individuals in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and their families. For the first half of each session, individuals with the disease and their families meet together for a structured presentation; in the second half of the session, the groups separate for discussion.
Quarterly newsletter. “Memory Matters,” the chapter newsletter, includes articles on caregiving strategies, research, and public advocacy, and a calendar of chapter events. Visit the chapter Web site to download current or past newsletters or sign up to receive the newsletter in print or e-mail format.
Multilingual information. Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that cause dementia know no boundaries. Many individuals and families in ethnic and cultural minority groups need solid information about Alzheimer’s disease and health resources. Spanish materials are available.
The Mollie Tivol Alzheimer’s Family Resource Center. The Resource Center, in the main office, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide books, brochures, videos, and other resources on Alzheimer’s for loan or purchase. Books cover many topics—some helpful to professionals, some geared to family members, and some discussing the experience of the disease from the perspective of those in the early stage.
Memories in the Making©. This innovative art program provides a means of creative expression for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Artists work weekly with groups in various settings. The association also participates in and leads other art-based projects. Art works from this program, as well as intergenerational projects, are regularly on display. An exhibit calendar is available.
Programs especially for family, friends, and caregivers
Family Connections Program. Families have many questions and concerns about Alzheimer’s disease and often need help finding and using community resources. This program offers individual and family care planning.
Caregiver support. More than 60 caregiver support groups meet at least monthly for peer support and information exchange. Some groups are specifically for those with early-stage dementia.
Breakfast Club/Lunch Bunch. These provide hometown experiences where people gather in a safe environment and support is provided in a roundtable way.
Caregiver Conferences. A special day of self-care for caregivers of those with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Basic Care. This program includes a disease overview, community resources, and a legal seminar.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Intellectual Disabilities. An overview of how Alzheimer’s disease manifests in a person with intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome. A special support group for family members who have a loved one with both Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease occurs each month in St. Joseph, Mo.
Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter
Mail: 3846 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208
Phone: 913-831-3888
Fax: 913-831-1916
Web: www.alz.org/kansascity/
Site Map
A-Z Index
Human Services
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite #1300
Olathe, KS 66061-7056
(913) 715-8800 : voice
(913) 715-8825 : fax
(913) 894-8822 : TTY