SERVICES

The Alzheimers Alliance of Smith County is a service-oriented organization. We offer specific services and programs to both families affected by Alzheimers disease and related dementias AND individuals facing a new diagnosis for themselves. No one is has to take this journey alone! Reach out to us to walk alongside you for education, support, respite care, and much more. Our services are specifically tailored to those we serve.

Families

FAMILIES

Tracking

Tracking those who may wander...

Most of us dont want to entertain the thought of our loved one wandering away, getting lost along with the potential of never being found. However, for 70% all people with dementia will wander. Because wandering is such a common symptom of Alzheimers disease, anyone with Alzheimers or dementia is at risk of wandering at any time, even if wandering has not been a problem in the past. It is best to prevent the problem before it occurs, especially considering the wandering persons chances of survival drop to 50% if not located within 24 hours. Project Lifesaver (PLS) is a program offered by the Alzheimers Alliance of Smith County in coordination with the Smith County Sheriffs Office and the Tyler Police Department. Project Lifesaver is a proven system based on radio technology that is responsible for the rescue of over 2,000 people to date in the United States. The average time to locate a missing person with Project Lifesaver is 30 minutes! The participant wears a radio transmitter bracelet that emits a unique signal every minute. The bracelet cannot be removed by the participant and is waterproof. The device can be tracked by local law enforcement using a corresponding receiver. Project Lifesaver is also available in some surrounding counties. If outside Smith County and are interested in PLS, please call your countys Sheriffs Office. To enroll your loved one in Project Lifesaver, contact our Client Services Coordinator (903) 509-8323, ext. 11.
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Respite Care

"Wonderful Wednesdays"

Respite Care Grants

Respite Care
Respite: /res-pet/ n. a short time of rest or relief.Taking a break is imperative for a caregiver. Caregivers who take care of themselves suffer less depression, can give care longer, give better care and have better over-all health and sense of well-being.

Wonderful Wed

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Our Day Club program which meets each Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Shiloh Rd. Church of Christ in Tyler, provides first, cognitive and social stimulation for individuals in the early and mid stages of Alzheimers disease or related dementia and second, a break in the middle of each week for family caregivers. The program includes a weekly theme using fine arts, music, long-term memory trivia, discussion group, chair exercise, and a hot lunch. Research has proven that cognitive and social stimulation improves mood, cognition and delays regression of activities of daily living for individuals with dementia. Therefore, caregivers are able to give care at home longer and delay residential facility placement. Caregivers also benefit from a break to recharge, relax, maintain relationships with friends, maintain their own health by keeping up with personal doctor visits and more! Basic requirements to enroll in Day Club are 1) the ability to feed oneself, 2) be mobile and 3) the ability to toilet independently. Day Club staff and volunteers DO NOT administer medication. Cost for “Wonderful Wednesdays” Day Club is $20 per session. Scholarships are available. Pre-registration paperwork and an intake interview must take place BEFORE attending a Day Club session.

Respite Care Grants
We have limited funding available each year from the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) to provide respite care grants to families. Each grantee is awarded up to two weeks of out-of-home care during the grant year (October-September). Caregivers may divide up the time as they need (i.e., a day or two per week, overnight for several nights or in one block of time). There is no out-of pocket expense to the caregiver for the granted respite time. The process to apply begins with speaking to our Client Services Coordinator, completing paperwork, getting an official diagnosis of dementia from the physician, and approval from AAA.

Support Groups

We offer several Dementia Caregiver Support Groups which meet in Smith County on a different day and time during the month. There is so much to be said for being with others who are in your shoes. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has positively navigated a challenging behavior your loved one is displaying and can give you a new idea to try? Others like to join a group to just listen and soak up information. Some come with heavy burdens and grief from a group of friends who personally understand and a facilitator who can offer a smile and a listening ear. Whatever the reason you come..join a Support Group today. You will be glad you did!Caregiver Support GroupsSecond Sunday of each month ~ 2:00 pmMarvin United Methodist Church300 W. Erwin St ~ Tyler, TXContact - Jean Mueller (903) 534-1725Second Thursday of each month ~ 10 amFirst United Methodist Church of LindaleSouth Boyd Street ~ Lindale, TXContact - Bobbie Jackson (903) 882-9483 or John Jack (903) 882-6940Groups Meeting at Senior Care CommunitiesPLEASE RSVP FOR GROUPS THAT PROVIDE LUNCH. First Wednesday of each month ~ 12 NoonPrestige Estates6928 Paluxy Dr. ~ Tyler, TX ~ Lunch Provided!Contact - Cheri` Pickett (903) 561-6102Second Sunday of each month ~ 2:00 pmSundance at Oak Hills2651 Elkton Trail ~ Tyler, TXContact - Lonna Emerson (903) 747-3927Second Tuesday of each month ~ 11:30 amAzalea Trails Assisted Living & Memory Care Community5550 Old Jacksonville Hwy. ~ Tyler, TX ~ brown bag lunch provided! (Please RSVP for lunch!)Contact - Susan Frasier (903) 216-3109 Third Tuesday of each month ~ 3:00 pmThe Clairmont Tyler900 S. Baxter ~ Tyler, TX ~ lunch provided!Contact - Bobby Robertson (903) 597-8192Third Thursday of each month ~ 12 NoonEmeritus at Pinehurst5403 Plantation Dr. ~ Tyler, TX ~ lunch provided!Contact - Lesley Shaw (903) 534-4955 (o) (903) 707-3620 (c)Last Tuesday of each month ~ 5:30 pm* will begin January 31, 2012The Hamptons at Pine Forest4250 Old Omen Rd. ~ Tyler, TXContact - Courtney Klepfer (903) 566-8931

Memory Screenings
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Memory Screenings

Memory screenings are a first step toward addressing concerns about memory loss. Although a memory screening is not used to diagnose and treat Alzheimers disease, it is a helpful tool. A memory screening tests your memory and other intellectual functions to determine whether you might benefit from additional testing. Memory screenings may also be reassuring. Scores in the normal range may put your fears to rest. If further assessment is indicated, the Social Worker will guide you through the process with information, counseling and referrals to local physicians who diagnose and treat dementia. Free, confidential memory screenings are offered year-round by appointment in our office by calling (903) 509-8323. We also participate in the Alzheimers Foundation of Americas National Memory Screening Day initiative each November. One day each November, we offer free-confidential memory screenings at multiple sites throughout Smith County. See the events calendar for more details.

Personal Consult
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Personal Consultations

Our staff Client Services Coordinator, who is a licensed Social Worker, is available by walk-in and appointment. She meets with persons who have Alzheimers disease or dementia of any type, their caregivers, family members and friends. Typically, people contact the Alzheimers Alliance when memory loss is suspected, a referral to a community service is needed, or a situation has become unmanageable and guidance is needed. The Social Worker listens carefully to the concerns and issues presented and will help families develop and individualized plan of action for navigating the dementia journey. The most helpful guidance begins EARLY in disease process! Many crisis situations can be avoided by coming to us early when memory loss is suspected or a when the diagnosis has just been made.

Tracking
Respite Care
Support Groups
Memory Screenings
Personal Consult

Individuals
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INDIVIDUALS

Individuals with Dementia

People in the early stage of dementia experience a barrage of feelings, have lots of questions and want to know what to expect. We have written and internet resources to direct you to for help. Our Social Worker can meet with you individually to help make sense of the journey ahead and to help make decisions for your own future care. We also encourage you to speak up and out about the experiences of a person with dementia! The best educator is usually the person facing a particular issue that others need educated about.

We also have a peer group just for individuals in the very early stages of dementia called “Coffee Club.” It is a social group of people “in the same boat” that can very much be involved in new friendships.that have something in common. “Coffee Club” meets the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. Call the office if you are interested in learning more and for the location.

Coffee Club...

GET CONNECTEDGET IN TOUCHGET INFORMED211 WinchesterTyler, Texas 75701Tel: 903.509.8323Fax: 903.509.8373Email: info_alzalliance.org
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