Alzheimer's Helpline Expanding Hours to Help Caregivers

Starting Oct. 5, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is expanding the weekend schedule of its National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern standard time, reports FOX 47 News . The seven-days-a-week helpline is staffed by licensed social workers with dementia care training, who receive calls from family and professional caregivers, as well as from individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related ailments. AFA's personnel answer questions, offer tips and strategies, and provide referrals to local services in the caller's area through the helpline, regardless of where they reside in the United States. "As the number of people with Alzheimer's continues to grow, so too does the number of caregivers who need support," said AFA Chief Executive Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. "Expanding our helpline hours is another way we can help families affected by Alzheimer's in their time of need."