Helpful Resources for the Alzheimer’s Community

When receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for yourself or your loved one, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what resources you may need and where to begin accessing information. Below is a list of sites and/or phone numbers to connect you with resources in your area as you navigate life with this disease.

National resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is an organization known for being a leader in care, support, and research into Alzheimer’s disease. They work to promote brain health, organize national and regional walks, and push to bring Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness into the public sphere. In addition to the information on the site, they operate a 24/7 helpline that you can call for support at 1-800-272-3900.

The National Institute on Aging (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) operates several Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers around the country. They work to help improve care for those with Alzheimer’s and to find new ways of treating and preventing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They assist families and patients with medical management, information and support, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

FindHelp.org is a free search tool that allows connects people to free or reduced-cost social service programs in cities across the United States. You simply search your zip code to find programs in your area. This site spans beyond just Alzheimer's-specific resources, but it can be helpful to navigate the healthcare system, find adult daycares or assisted living facilities, discover local support groups, and more.

Local resources

There are also many sites dedicated to helping you find local chapters of national organizations for resources and support in your area.

The Alzheimer’s Association operates local chapters that offer support groups, information, and advocacy in your region. They can help connect you with others experiencing similar challenges and provide you with the support you need to navigate life with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Community Resource Finder can connect you with a variety of assistance programs in your area including home care, housing options, and medical services.

Find a Doc allows you to search for medical specialists in your area. They provide reviews of doctors as well as a short bio of each physician. Current and former patients can rate and review the physician on numerous criteria, including bedside manner, expertise, and office staff – to name a few. You must create a free account to access most information on this site.

A Place For Mom can help with finding senior living facilities in your area. They also operate the Big List of Alzheimer’s Resources that can connect you with other resources and information. You can also call their helpline and speak with an advisor: 1-866-518-0936 or access their live chat feature.

Resources for daily help

When living with Alzheimer’s, you may find you or your loved one needs more assistance with daily chores or care than before. While each of these may not be available be in all areas, here are some ideas to consult for assistance with shopping, errands, cleaning, and more:

Adult daycares

Adult daycare options exist in most communities to ensure you or your loved one is safe and engaged during the day. A Google search of “adult day programs” will provide links to those in your area.

Grocery delivery services

Grocery delivery is a growing service that allows you to select online which items you need from your local grocery store and have someone else retrieve the items and deliver them to your home. Some options are Instacart, Shipt, Walmart, Amazon, and Giant's Peapod. There is a membership fee associated with most of these following a free or reduced trial period, and they do not service all areas – though these companies are continually expanding!

Pharmacy delivery services

Pharmacies are also making home delivery or mail-order prescriptions available to assist those who struggle to get out. Both Walgreens and CVS have launched prescription delivery services in certain areas.

Other mail-order pharmacies include PillPack, which is an Amazon company, Walmart, and ExpressScripts – to name a few. Additionally, a good reference for looking up information about a particular medication you have been prescribed is RXlist.com.

Running errands

Driving to complete errands is another task where it is possible to seek help and leave the driving to someone else! Uber and Lyft are rideshare services available in many areas. These services allow you to request someone pick you up and take you where you need to go and pay for the ride online. These services are accessed through apps on a smartphone or computer.

For those less comfortable using smartphones, GoGoGrandparent is a service that can be reached by phone at 1-855-464-6872 instead of through an app. This service will arrange an Uber or Lyft driver for you.

Prepared meals and housecleaning services

Meals on Wheels is an organization that provides nutritious hot meal delivery to seniors over the lunch hour by volunteers from your area.

Cleaning can become more difficult as the body and mind age. Finding assistance for light cleaning to help maintain the home can be a boost to everyone’s morale! Some options to search for providers in your area are care.com, Molly Maid, and Merry Maids.

Additional resources

On the site, you can find other articles dedicated to helping caregivers find support and education resources.

There are also articles listing resources specifically for early-stage and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.