Alzheimer's Association

Welcome to the Alzheimer's Association; a national organization dedicated to supporting those touched by Alzheimer's and related dementia's. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer's Association vision is to create a world without Alzheimer's disease, while optimizing quality of life for individuals and their families.

Description:
The Alzheimer's Association acts as a resource center for families in need. We offer several different types of resources for family members struggling to care for a loved one who has been diagnosed with this devastating disease. At the Association you will have access to the following:

1). A Lending Library: this plethora of information is free to family caregivers.

2). A Telephone Helpline: You can call us at 210-822-6449 or 1-800-272-3900 at anytime day or night and you will speak with a person who can assist you.

3). Personal and Confidential Consultation: You can come to the Association and there will be someone to help you work through the frustration and help you develop a plan of action.

4). A Quarterly Newsletter: That focuses on providing the most current, up-to-date information about research projects, referral and assistance programs, training and educational opportunities, and helpful hints at care giving.

5). Support Groups: Support groups are free and they provide a safe opportunity to family members to express fears, concerns, frustrations, and angry feelings in a supportive environment. It also offers confidential opportunities to meet with other families experiencing the same situation in their life.Currently offering a group for the person with the disease also.

6). Safe Return Program: This program assists in safe and timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who wander and get lost. Families receive identification products that link the person with AD with a national database. 7). Speakers Bureau: We provide public speakers that can visit with organizations to present information about the disease process and to offer methods of coping or planning for the future.

8). Education/Training: The Association presents educational opportunities to both family caregivers and facility staff. The goal is to improve the overall quality of care a person with AD is receiving both in a home situation and in facilities.

9). Professional Symposiums: Annually, the Association presents an educational symposium designed to enhance the knowledge base of both family caregivers and professional staff in hospitals, facilities, doctors offices, and so forth.

10). In-Home Tape program: In-Home Tape program was designed to provide caregivers with factual and practical information consisting of nationally produced videos and a manual covering the following topics: a. Orientation to Alzheimer's Disease b. Meeting Daily Challenges c. Communicating d. Safety First e. Managing Difficult Behavior f. Caring for the Caregiver

History:
The National Alzheimer's Association, founded in 1980, is a privately funded national voluntary health organization headquartered in Chicago, IL. The South Central Texas Chapter (headquartered in San Antonio) became an affiliate of the National Alzheimer's Association in 1989. On July 1, 2002 we officially merged with five other chapters to become the STAR Chapter-San Antonio Regional Office. Our regional territory includes Bexar County and forty surrounding counties. Our chapter provides various services free of charge to caregivers including a 24-hour helpline, lending library, support groups for family caregivers, advocacy and public policy, education and training, quarterly newsletter, personal and confidential counseling, speakers bureau, in-home tape program and Safe Return.

Contact people:

Ginny Funk, Director, (210) 822-6449, (email) Belinda Benavidez, Program Specialist, (210) 822-6449, (email) Melissa Ortiz, (210) 822-6449, (email)

Office fax number: (210) 824-8069

Address:

7400 Louis Pasteur, Ste 200 San Antonio, TX 78229 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.alz.org/txstar

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: 603, 92, 2 minute walk

Last updated on April 2, 2009