First link is a referral program that offers direct referral that enables a person diagnosed with Alzheimer disease or related dementia and their partner in care to access a wide variety of services and supports within the community and the Alzheimer Society . First Link connects individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and or related dementias to a community of learning, services and support. First Link seeks to address the reluctance people sometimes have when it comes to accessing support early on.

• First Link will provide one-on-one support to families.
• First Link will provide education about what to expect throughout the progression of the disease and how to cope.
• First Link ensures individuals are connected to the appropriate resources in the community.
• First Link referral partners would include Primary Care Practitioners, Geriatric specialist and Health Service providers, Community Health Centres, Nurse practitioners and Memory Clinics.

Often, people with Alzheimer Dementia related disease find the diagnosis very overwhelming and do not contact Alzheimer Society of Durham or other support agencies until a crisis occurs.

We want to get people connected early in order to reduce the number and intensity of crisis.

To reduce caregiver burnout and pre-mature long term care placement.

During their visit with their Health Care provider, individuals recently diagnosed with dementia and their accompanying caregiver, are informed about the programs provided by ASDR and are asked whether they wanted a direct referral from ASDR. With consent, the referral is faxed to ASDR who then follows up within the time frame specified by the client. Referring partners will inform the family, that they will receive a call from the First Link convener.

First Link Convener will call the individual referred, giving them an opportunity to ask questions about the disease, offer literature about dementia and provide information on programs and services offered by Alzheimer Society of Durham. This program is unique, in that it allows us to reach out to the families as opposed to waiting for them to call. First Link connects families to services available at ASDR and resources that are available in the community throughout the continuum of the disease.

Fewer and less intense crises impacting families.

Families will be more knowledgeable and prepared with enhanced coping skills.

Families will be strengthened in their caregiving role.

One of the most beneficial components of the First Link program, is the Learning series which has been developed to provide information and support to people with dementia and their families from early stages on. We are thrilled to be able to introduce First Link in Durham Region, and look forward to bringing more news to you as the program expands.