I need to find a local counselor

Donna Del Rosario

Does anyone know if the 24/7 helpline can help me navigate to find an in person support group or counselor? I feel like I keep clicking links to no avail. My mom has alzheimers, and my dad as her primary caregiver is really suffering. I need to do something to help him right away.

Thanks in advance.

Donna

towhee

Clicking links to no avail-Yep, I've had that reaction to the Alzheimers Assoc home page a few times. For the in person support group it won't hurt to try the helpline. Your father could call himself for general support. For a counselor you might try to get a referral from his doctors office. Is he on Medicare? It can be hard to find a counselor who takes Medicare, if he can afford it private pay would probably be quicker.

Donna Del Rosario

Thank you so much!

Feeling heard is a good thing.

Donna

Rescue mom

You could also call, on the telephone, your local Alzheimer’s Association. They have offices all over the country, and have been a great source of information and local resources, for me at least. They knew about local support groups, and other organizations or businesses in your area.

jfkoc

You can not get the # for your areas AA. Google AA and your city to get it. Also your neurologist will likely have a list.

Cobalt

Sadly, in many if not most areas of the US, counselors and therapist are very overwhelmed with people affected by Covid, both as patients and family.  To begin with, many areas of the country have too few counselors for the population.  With the changes brought on by the continuing pandemic, a LOT of counselors are working online through video calls.

You may want to consider finding out if there are support groups in your area who either have regular meetings or regular Zoom video meetings. Wouldn't it be grand if the ALZ.org sponsored daily meetings open to the public or specialized topic groups?  Just think how much help it could be to have the option to talk to others or volunteers by video as well as the Help Line phone calls.

MN Chickadee

Been there done that trying to find a support group via the website. I had better luck calling and emailing the local AA office directly. If you google Alzheimer's Association and your city you will probably come up with a local number. The folks there will know about support groups and local help.