The Alzheimer's Association Hotline
24/7 Free Phone Support For Those Impacted By Dementia
Need help now? Have a pressing question? Bring your unique challenges to our LIVE, WEEKLY "Ask Us Anything" support group for Aging, Illness & End-of-Life, and/or our “Peer Support for Death Workers” (both on Zoom).
When I was a caregiver for my mom who was living with dementia, it was the most challenging time in my life. Like many caregivers, I was grossly under-supported. I think most people just didn’t know what to say or do and at the time, I didn’t know anyone who had a similar experience.
I remember the night that I was at my breaking point. I Googled “dementia support” and the Alzheimer’s Association Hotline was at the top. Normally I would hem and haw about making that kind of phone call – you know, the kind of call that is an admission of needing help. But dialing was easy that night. I was out of options.
I called at 2:30am after spending hours trying to fall asleep, ruminating about all the worst cast scenarios that could play out with my mom the next day, in the next couple of years. Someone answered right away, asked some basic questions and then passed me along to a “care specialist”. I remember breathing easier for the first time in a very long time.
I just cried during the call that night. I vented about how hard it was, how alone I felt. And I was met with an open ear, validation and an invitation to call back any time.
And I did call back – a lot. I probably called that hotline every other day for a couple of years. Sometimes I would just cry. Other times, I would ask very concrete, specific questions. I remember one time I had called them from my basement. Nora had answered this time (I called so much that I got to know many of the care specialists). My mom was upstairs in an aggressive episode that I was struggling to deescalate. Nora told me to go back up stairs and keep the phone to my ear because she was going to coach me on exactly what to say and do. It worked.
I know it’s hard to ask for help, particularly when you are overwhelmed. Maybe you just can’t explain the situation one more time and be met with a blank stare. One of the many beautiful things about this hotline is that they just know. They understand dementia and your experience as the caregiver. They can hold space for you as you cry or offer concrete, logistical advice or both at the same time. And you can call them at a reasonable hour or in the middle of the night. Either way, it’s free.
This hotline saved me during the worst time in my life.
If you are a caregiver for someone living with dementia, give them a ring. It’s low-risk. If they answer and you get uncomfortable? Hang up. Try again another day. You deserve to be seen and supported.
Alzheimer’s Association Hotline: 1-800-272-3900
 | A guest post by
|