Once a diagnosis has been made for any form of dementia or Alzheimer's, First Link is the next step that will connect you and your loved ones with support to carry you through the journey.
It doesn't matter what stage you're at, First Link will provide the information you need at the time you need it, said Laurie De Croos, LPN, First Link coordinator for the local branch of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
"What First Link is, is the formal referral process funded by the Ministry of Health," said De Croos. "I receive referrals from family physicians, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, home and community care workers, elderly services, people can refer family members or someone who has dementia can also come in and be part of the program."
The program from the local branch of the Alzheimer Society provides services, education and support for people from Haida Gwaii to Fort Nelson and every place in between.
"With this program's referrals we are trying to make sure family physicians know they can refer their patients to us for assistance," said De Croos, who most often gets a referral by fax or e-mail.
The program is strictly confidential and once the referral is given, it opens the door of communication so that De Croos can reach out to the one being referred.
"So once I receive that referral, because sometimes it's difficult for people to ask for help, that allows me to contact them and that's a huge part of the program," said De Croos.
During the intake De Croos finds out at what stage the client is on their journey and there is a confidential database of information on file and then a welcome package is sent to them on that specific stage. De Croos then puts a call out every three months to keep up on them to make sure they are getting everything they need.
"Sometimes they're OK and other times they need to talk," said De Croos. "So then I am connecting them to services in the community that they are in. We help them get a case manager, we suggest getting some financial planning and make sure their wills are in order. As things change, we offer more information."
There is an information bulletin that clients can get every two months that provides up-to-date information, a calendar of upcoming programs, tele-workshops and support group contacts.
"If they like, we follow them to end of life," said De Croos. "When we provide information about dementia and Alzheimer's it alleviates a lot of the stress and that way the clients and caregivers won't feel they have to go to the doctor for advice all the time. They can get a lot of the information through the programs and workshops we offer."
For more information on First Link, referral forms or feedback e-mail [email protected] or call 250-645-2200 or 1-888-645-2288
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