Heart of America Chapter Alzheimer's Association
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Online Newsletter

Click here to read the current issue of Memory Matters, our Chapter newsletter. Or, if you prefer to receive the newsletter in print, click here to fill out a request form.

 

Chapter Services

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Families

Information, Assistance and Referral
Our toll free number, 800-272-3900, is answered by Alzheimer's Association staff 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The 24-hour Information and Support Line is available to answer your questions and to offer support and advice. Contact information for all area offices is listed on the Office Contact page or click here to find the office nearest you.

Peer Support Services

Support Group
More than 60 groups meet at least monthly thoughout the area for family members to get together for peer support and to exchange information. Some groups meet specifically for those with early-stage dementia. For more information and a list of support groups, please click here.

Breakfast Club/Lunch Bunch
Hometown experiences where people gather in a safe environment and where support is provided in a round table way.

Cappuccino Club
Approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. have young (early) onset Alzheimer’s disease - meaning they have developed the disease under the age of 65. The Cappuccino club is an upcoming support group for the 20 something and 30 something adult children of individuals with young (early) onset Alzheimer’s disease. Adult children in this age group typically are facing the dual demands of early careers and young children in addition to the caregiving role for their parent. This group will include support, information and social opportunities. It is being planned and it expected to begin in early summer. If you are interested in being a part of this group or hearing more detailed information as plans proceed, please contact Michelle Niedens at 913-831-3888.

Resource Center

Read book reviews of the materials available in our Resource Center.

Mollie Tivol Alzheimer's Family Resource Center
The Resource Center is located in the main office and open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide books, brochures, videos and other resources on Alzheimer's for loan or purchase. All offices have access to these resources and also offer a variety of informative material at their locations. View a list of material that can be purchased.

Family Connections Program
Families have many questions and concerns about Alzheimer's disease and often need assistance finding and utilizing community resources. The Connections Program offers individual and family care planning. Click here for an individual and family services staff member in the office nearest you.

Memories in the Making©
This innovative art program provides persons with Alzheimer's disease with a means of creative expression. Experienced volunteer artists work weekly with groups in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and adult day programs. Click here for more information.

Programs for Individuals at Risk for Wandering

Safe Return Program
Safe Return is a national patient registry for the memory impaired. This program was developed by the Alzheimer's Association to respond to the problem of wandering. The Safe Return program coordinates information on program participants, caregivers, and emergency personnel in order to provide a system to enable others to locate, identify and return missing persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders who wander and become lost. Click here for more information.

Project Lifesaver
The Raytown Police Department and the Alzheimer’s Association have partnered to bring Project Lifesaver to the metropolitan area. Individuals that are high risk for wandering can enroll in the Project Lifesaver program. Raytown is coordinating efforts metro wide. People who are part of the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When carepartners notify the police that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer’s area and starts searching with the mobile locator tracking system. It has allowed search times to be significantly reduced. Transmitter bracelets are $250.00 each and require a $10.00 a month charge for the bands and batteries that are changed monthly by trained Project Lifesaver volunteers. A limited number of scholarships are available for those in need.

For further information about Project Lifesaver, contact the chapter office or Nicole Grivno at the Raytown Police Department.

Memory Room
The Heart of America Chapter partners with volunteer area artists, high school artists, and nursing home facilities to create a pleasing wall mural for late stage dementia patients who spend the majority of time in their rooms. The mural is typically based on some aspect of the person's life: a familiar scene, a countryside, or a special place where fond memories may reside. Click here for more information.

 

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Upcoming Events

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March 12 and 19 - ABC's of Alzheimer's Disease
An overview of the disease process including how family caregivers can work with the individual experiencing the disease. 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Shawnee County Library in Topeka. Call 785-271-1844 or for details.

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March 13 - Memory Day
Join others who are advocating for Alzheimer's and speak to your Missouri legislators in Jefferson City. Call 913-831-3888 or for details.

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March 27 - All About Alzheimer's Disease - Clinton, MO
Discussion will focus on general disease information including diagnosis, stages, risk factors, current treatments and interventions.6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Clinton Senior Center. Call 913-831-3888 or for details.