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Alzheimer's Tennessee outlines 24/7 helpline, Memory Cafe and outreach services to support caregivers
Summary
Linda Johnson of Alzheimer's Tennessee described the organization's statewide helpline, adult day program and new Memory Cafe for people in early stages of dementia; she said the group helps with Silver Alert sign-ups and offers a virtual dementia tour for first responders at no charge.
Linda Johnson, director of programs for Alzheimer's Tennessee, told the Mayor's Council on Disability Issues that Alzheimer's Tennessee was founded in 1983 and operates a statewide 24/7 helpline to assist families and caregivers.
"We have a 24 hour, 7 day a week helpline," Johnson said. She said calls to the helpline generate an email to staff; if an after-hours call needs immediate attention they will return the call, otherwise staff follow up the next business day.
Johnson described programs and training the organization offers across the state, including six regional offices, an adult day program located in a downtown Knoxville church that has been operating since 2007 and is licensed for 16 participants, caregiver conferences, in-service trainings for nursing homes and assisted-living staff, and support-group options both virtual and in person. She said Alzheimer's Tennessee offers a Memory Cafe for people diagnosed in early stages who meet virtually two to three times a week and sometimes gather in person for outings.
Johnson said the organization helped advocate for Tennessee's Silver Alert law and offers free Silver Alert enrollment packets and staff assistance completing the paperwork when families lack photos or other materials. She also described a "virtual dementia tour," a roughly 15- to 20-minute simulation program the organization provides to law enforcement, first responders and other agencies at no charge.
Council members thanked Johnson for participating while feeling under the weather and asked about coordination with local ADA training for law enforcement. Stephanie Cook, the city's Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, asked whether Alzheimer's Tennessee could present to the city's training academy; Johnson said the organization provides the virtual dementia tour to law-enforcement training and would be willing to coordinate.
Johnson said the group's materials and a handout with the helpline number were provided to council members via email and chat.
