Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming. By referring people living with dementia to Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® dementia support, you can help them live well and plan as early as possible.
Making a First Link® referral ensures your clients receive ongoing, proactive support from the Alzheimer Society of B.C., giving access to information they need as dementia progresses.
When you refer to First Link®, your client will be contacted within a few weeks of being referred. Your client will be offered appropriate First Link® programs and services, including individual support, education, support groups, Coffee and Chat, Minds in Motion® and First Link® Dementia Helpline. They will also be informed about other community and health-care services and resources as necessary and help connect them to a community of people affected by dementia.
Without a referral from a health-care provider, it takes people an average of 11 months longer to find and connect with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., but those 11 months can be a critical time for planning and developing support networks.
To refer:
- Ask the person or their family member for permission to forward their name to First Link®.
- Complete the one-page First Link® referral form (access on Med Access, Wolf or Pathways web-based directory.)
- Submit by fax to 1-833-238-7390 (toll free) or 604-238-7390, or email firstlink@alzheimerbc.org.
After the referral, your client will receive:
- A phone call from the First Link® team.
- An information package specific to their needs.
- Regular communications from the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to keep them informed about dementia education and support programs.
- Information about community and health-care services that may be helpful.
- Follow-ups at their preferred intervals (three, six and 12 months).
You will receive a confirmation when contact has been made with the person you referred.
For more information, call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
