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First Link
Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce WHAT is First Link™ WHO should be referred to First Link™? WHO can make a referral to First Link™? WHEN should a First Link™ referral be made? WHAT does First Link™ offer? WHY First Link™? HOW does First Link™ make a difference?
Our First Link Team Rachelle Shipley, RSSW, Family Support Counsellor Larrilee Leckie, MSW, Family Support Counsellor Kimberley Hodder, Family Support Counsellor Laura Balletta, BSW, Family Support Counsellor Sandra Hong RPN, Public Education Coordinator Let our team of dementia care experts make the journey of caring for someone with dementia a little easier.
Here’s what some of our First Link clients have said: “Thank you so much for all your knowledge and support. I can now face the future with more confidence that I can effectively advocate for my husband as his dementia progresses. I have a better idea now of what to expect in the months ahead and how to handle his behaviours. I have started him in Day Away – I never thought that would happen, and I’ve been going to Alzheimer’s Support Group each month. Finally, I’m realizing I have to take care of myself first if I want to be there for Jack.” First Link Learning Series Participant “I am most thankful for your kindness at a very difficult time. After speaking with you I had the courage to approach our doctor a second time about changes in my husband’s behaviour. He listened and now we are closer to a diagnosis. Thank you so much for your help” Family Support recipient “You are making a wonderful difference in our area by educating us about this devastating disease. My brother in law has been in Long Term Care for a year or so and we need all the help and information we can get. Sometimes it’s very hard, but he’s quite good at times, for which we are thankful. Keep up the good work.” Family Support Group member “For ages we’ve encouraged our Mom, who takes care of Dad at home, to come and meet you. She always said she was too busy or would put it off until a better time which seemed to never arrive. The video and books you suggested we borrow plus the great information pamphlets you gave us have made a big difference for her. I noticed your number is now posted on her fridge. Thank you for being there when we needed you.” Family Support Group member I can’t express how much it means to finally be able to sit down with people who know what it’s like day to day. I used to feel so alone. The information you’ve given me about memory loss has made it easier to understand my Mom and allowed me to enjoy our time together more than I’d been able to for the past year. Family Support Group member I’m so thankful you were here. Every time my Dad wandered my family and I panicked. We were close to moving him to a Long Term Care facility. Your excellent suggestions on how to prevent wandering, and what to do when he wanders, gave us a plan. We now feel prepared to keep him with us at home for longer. Family Support recipient I feel so much better after talking to you. We have had so many questions since my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. Legal issues, power of attorney and advance care planning became much clearer with your help. Thanks for telling me about day programs. George went last week and really enjoyed it, giving me a chance to run my errands and have a break. Family Support recipient “Now that I know how dementia can rob a person’s ability to read, speak, or even recognize people etc., I realize that there are things I could have and would have done differently if I had known. This is why I think it’s so important for the family to know what’s coming and how to handle it. Even if your loved one goes into Long Term Care there are still many do’s and don’ts you should know.” Family Support recipient First Link™ Features and Benefits First Link™: A Unique Program • First Link™ is a referral program that links the person with dementia and their family members to a community of learning, services and support. • First Link™ is funded through the Aging at Home strategy to walk the journey with the person with dementia and their family members. Benefits • First Link™ creates a partnership with family physicians and their office staff • First Link™ links your pts with a Team of experts in dementia care & support
• The physician makes the referral and our staff then contact the person with dementia or their family member recognizing that often it is simply too hard for them to do this on their own. • In the initial contact we establish a relationship, answer questions and invite the person with dementia or their family member to participate in a First Link Learning Series, and connect them with community programs and services such as Day away programs, Meals on Wheels, DriveAble testing, transportation services, etc. • We offer individual and family counselling, and support groups. • We contact person with dementia or their family member within 4 weeks of receiving the referral • The referring physician receives a letter to acknowledge receipt of referral Benefits • Patients receive earlier connection to support, community services and education. • Well informed and well supported persons with dementia and family members place fewer demands on physician time.
• Fewer calls from Long Term Care Homes regarding family concerns • Fewer calls to the office from family with questions Benefits • Time and resources are freed up for other areas of practice and personal time
• Family members gain an increased ability to handle behaviours Benefits • Reduced usage of emergency departments, alternate level of care beds and Long Term Care Home admissions is anticipated • Family experience improved understanding of driving issues and other tough issues such end of life care, Power’s of Attorney’s etc.
• There is better participation in planning of care • Family caregivers have improved knowledge, skills and confidence. • Family caregivers are better able to develop self care strategies Benefits • Family caregivers are more willing to work with the physician’s recommendations • Reduced caregiver stress means fewer crises, fewer office and emergency department calls or visits, and less in the physician’s practice • Improved overall health status for the caregiver
Is First Link™ For You? Learning Services Support If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder First Link is for you. This direct referral program links the person with dementia and their family members/caregivers to coordinated learning, services and support from diagnosis and through the continuum of the disease. Contact our office and speak to one of our counselling staff for further information. |
