Photo: Contributed

For anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, help is a phone call away.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect thousands of British Columbians, but asking for or receiving the diagnosis can be challenging and families often don’t know what to do.

No one should have to face the dementia journey alone so the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is offering the First Link Dementia Helpline, 1-800-936-6033, in Vernon and across the province.

The toll-free phone line is for anyone who lives with dementia, is a care partner to someone who does, for anyone concerned about their memory, people who work with people living with dementia or any member of the public who would like to know more. 

“Someone might call in because they’re starting to see changes in themselves or someone close to them and want to learn more about the warning signs and how to get a diagnosis,” said Sherry Wezner, with the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s North and Central Okanagan Resource Centre.

“Most callers are caregivers who need to know who to call or where to turn. We guide them towards services that will help them build the skills and confidence to live with dementia.”

The helpline is also a resource for people who haven’t felt comfortable reaching out because of fear.

“They’re the people who haven’t reached out at all until it’s a crisis,” Wezner says. “We walk them through scenarios and help them understand how they could respond to people living with dementia.”

Vernon residents who call the helpline will be connected to the full range of services offered through the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link dementia support, including support groups, community resources and education workshops for every stage of the journey.