Alzheimer's Support Services

THE LONG ISLAND CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION

This non-profit charitable organization works with family members, health professionals and researchers to provide help and support to Alzheimer patients and their families. They sponsor many programs including support groups, conferences and workshops, respite programs and a Safe Return Program. The Association's Safe Return Program helps identify, locate and return lost and confused individuals whose memory is impaired due to Alzheimer's Disease or related disorders. The program provides an identity bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet cards to identify the individual; registration in a national data base; a 24-hour toll-free number to contact; and immediate access to the National Crime Information computer, a network of 17,000 local law enforcement agencies. The program enables police, community agencies and private citizens to return lost individuals to their loved ones.

Alzheimer's Association
Long Island Chapter
3281 Veteran’s Highway, Suite E-13	Nassau: 935-1033
Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779	Suffolk: 1-631-580-5100
www.alzheimersli.org

LONG ISLAND ALZHEIMER'S FOUNDATION (LIAF)

LIAF is a non-profit charitable organization providing a broad range of services including a Resource and Referral Center, the Alzheimer's Disease Directory of Services, support groups, community education programs, and the Memory Lane Club, a social model adult day care program. Fundraising activities help to provide research and program grants and awards.

The LIAF SAFETY PROGRAM includes distribution of a kit which enables caregivers to communicate with emergency or rescue workers who may be called to a home where an Alzheimer's patient resides. A uniformly recognized symbol, displayed on the refrigerator door, notifies trained personnel to look inside for a packet of pertinent information, and to immediately search for a bedridden or wandering Alzheimer's patient. Members of Nassau County police and fire departments and emergency medical technicians have been trained to look for this symbol and take appropriate action.

MEMORY DISORDER PROGRAM

A diagnostic work-up to determine the cause of the presenting symptoms is conducted by a team that includes geriatric physicians, nurses and social workers. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, forgetfulness and agitated behavior. The process includes intake interview, a complete medical history, physical examination, etc. When necessary, referral may be made for neuropsychological testing or geriatric psychiatric evaluation. Depending on the diagnosis, educational material and links to community resources are provided.