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Alzheimer's Foundation of America's National Toll-Free Helpline Expanding to Seven Days a Week

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is expanding its National Toll-Free Helpline to seven days a week to provide individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers with assistance, support and resources. The helpline, which was previously open Monday through Saturday, is adding Sunday hours starting Sunday, February 4th.

AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484), staffed entirely by licensed social workers trained in dementia care, fields calls from family and professional caregivers alike, as well as individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Through the helpline, AFA's social workers field questions, offer tips and strategies, and provide referrals to local services in the caller's area, no matter where in the United States they live. AFA's social workers are also available via Skype, live chat, and email.

"Alzheimer's disease doesn't only affect people during normal business hours; oftentimes, nights and weekends are when families need help the most," says Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and CEO. "Expanding our helpline to now be able to serve individuals seven days a week is another way to help support all those impacted by Alzheimer's disease and give them a place to turn in their time of need."

"AFA is able to provide a tremendous value to the national care community. Having a licensed social worker pick up the phone ready to listen, support, and point you in the right direction is a great offering when someone is in need. No scripts, no answering service, no triage, just a licensed social worker ready and available to help you," says Molly Fogel, AFA's director of education and social services.

The new helpline hours are:

• Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM (ET)

• Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM (ET)

To reach AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline, call 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org to connect with AFA's socials workers through email, live chat, or Skype.

Source: Alzheimer's Foundation of America