PATIENT & FAMILY SERVICES

The Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter offers a wide variety of programs and services to assist the patient with Alzheimer's and their loved ones.  You will find a brief description of many of our services below.


If you or your loved one have or suspect your may have Alzheimer's disease, please do contact us at (727) 578-2558 or (800) 772-8672 or services@alz-tbc.org, so that we may give you direct and personal assistance, including a FREE packet with information on various aspects of coping with AD.


Support Groups

  • Currently more than 80 groups meet on a regular basis in communities throughout our service area, including a Spanish-language group in Tampa. Trained volunteers facilitate each meeting.
  • To locate a support group, please click the County of your choice below:
  1. Charlotte County Support Groups
  2. Citrus County Support Groups
  3. Collier County Support Groups
  4. DeSoto County Support Groups
  5. Hardee County Support Groups
  6. Hernando County Support Groups
  7. Highlands County Support Groups
  8. Hillsborough County Support Groups
  9. Lee County Support Groups
  10. Pasco County Support Groups
  11. Pinellas County Support Group
  12. Polk County Support Groups
  13. Manatee County Support Groups
  14. Sarasota County Support Groups

If you are unable to locate a support group that does not meet your geographic or scheduling needs, please contact our Program Director at (800) 772-8672.

 

Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Training

  • Be a part of this important support service.  All Chapter support groups are facilitated our Program Specialists or  trained volunteers.  Click the link above to learn more about becoming a volunteer support group leader.

Helpline    1-800-772-8672

  • Our telephone Helpline averages 500 calls per month.  Helpline staff is here to listen and provide information on community services and resources that may be right for you and your family.  Helpline packets, which include brochures on diagnosis, family support, caregiver issues, activities and communication, financial and legal issues and much more, are sent to callers free of charge.


Safe Return

  • Our Safe Return program provides over 5,000 Alzheimer’s patients with coded identifying bracelets or necklaces to assist in identifying wandering patients and returning them safely to their homes and loved ones. This program is a Chapter collaboration with the National Alzheimer's Association and law enforcement entities throughout the country. To cover the costs associated with materials and law enforcement training, there is a $40 charge for this program.  However, there are limited scholarships for those who this would present financial difficulties.


Respite Care Assistance Program

  • The Chapter can assist in finding and paying for a limited number of hours of respite care for an AD patient in a licensed facility or with an in-home health agency, in order to help at-home caregivers when they need it most.  Call for an application.


"Caregiver's Day Out"

  • Organized quarterly, these free events are designed to provide an enjoyable break to family members who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease at home.  See the "Upcoming Events" page for upcoming dates.

 


Training

  • Classes, conferences and seminars are available to professional and at-home caregivers, providing training in caring for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.  Please see the "Education & Training" page for more specific information.


Speaker's Bureau

  • Alzheimer's Association staff and volunteers are available to speak to community organizations, schools, companies and interested groups.


Family Consutation

  • Private, confidential family consultations are available by appointment.


Do Not Resuscitate Order Forms (DNRO)

  • The Chapter makes available the Florida "Prehospital Do Not Resuscitate Order" forms upon request.


Resource Center/Audio & Video Tapes and Books

  • A wide variety of books, videos and pamphlets on the many aspects of Alzheimer's disease are available for loan at the Chapter office.


Research

  • The Chapter contributes a part of the funds it raises to the National Alzheimer's Association in support of the nationwide effort to encourage and support research into causes, improved diagnosis, therapy, cures and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.