The following programs and services are available through the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter

For more information on any of these programs or services, call 1-800-660-2871

• Helpline: Helpline — Our toll-free 24/7 telephone Helpline is a vital resource for information, assistance, care consultation and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Helpline provides emotional support to the caller as well as information about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, chapter services, and community resources. Through the Helpline, callers can receive updated information on community resources such as home care, adult day care, care coordination, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, eldercare lawyers, financial planners, and transportation. Additionally, they can help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families assess whether a specific care provider can meet their individual needs. Trained Helpline specialists and staff answer questions on a wide range of topics (including symptoms, diagnosis, local resources, caregiving techniques and new treatments), send information packets tailored to each caller’s need and listen with understanding and empathy. 1-800-660-2871

• Information: A free information packet, containing a variety of practical material about Alzheimer’s disease and related caregiving topics, is available upon request. The Chapter has a video lending library with a wide range of videos available. Books may also be purchased through the Chapter.

• Support Groups: A trained and experienced leader facilitates discussion among group members who share experiences and offer support, practical suggestions and encouragement to one another. Nearly 50 support groups statewide are open to family members and other caregivers free of charge. The Chapter sponsors training and an annual educational forum for support group leaders. Locations and schedules are available here, in PDF format.

• Care Consultation: provides in-depth care management, education and caregiving tips to families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The aim is to connect families with needed services and support early in and throughout the disease process. This service is available free of charge. The Care Consultant offers telephone and email consultation statewide and home visits (generally within 1 hour’s drive from Portland unless special arrangements have been made). Families may also make an appointment to meet at the Chapter office. Contact our Senior Care Consultant for more information or click here for our Care Consultation Program brochure.

• Message Boards: The National Association maintains electronic message boards to share information, feelings, and tips with others in your situation. There are separate boards, with topics of interest to (1) People with Alzheimer's, (2) Family Caregivers & Friends, (3) Physicians & Health Care Professionals, and (4) Researchers.

• Local Resources: A county by county list of dementia-specific references for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Evaluation, Geriatricians, Neurologists, Elder Law Attorneys, In-Home Respite, Support Groups, Adult Day Services, Home Health Agencies, Residential Care Facilities / Assisted Living Facilities with Alzheimer’s Units, and Nursing Facilities with Alzheimer’s Units.
  These lists do not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation.

• Safety Services: Safe Return is a nationwide system designed to help identify, locate and return to safety individuals who wander because of Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The program provides an identity bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet cards to identify the memory-impaired individual; registration in a national database and a 24-hour toll-free 800 number to contact when an individual is lost or found. There is a one-time registration fee of $40.

• Newsletter: The Chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter containing up-to-date articles on research, local and national activities, and caregiver concerns; it is an excellent source of information and current events.