After a dementia diagnosis, families can feel alone or unsure of where to turn for help. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program helps families navigating a dementia diagnosis learn about the many resources, supports, services, and education available.
A dementia care consultation is one of these helpful resources. This is a meeting with a trained professional who will help you better understand what a dementia diagnosis means, navigate caregiving decisions and family issues, assess current needs, and anticipate future care challenges. They can help you develop an effective care plan, assist with problem solving, and offer supportive listening in a confidential, nonjudgmental environment. These meetings are tailored to your specific needs. Some families only need one visit, while others need additional follow up visits as their situation and needs change.
There are several organizations that offer free or low-cost dementia care consultations. Many of the national dementia organizations offer these consultations at no cost through their helplines, including the Alzheimer’s Association. Some of Utah’s Area Agencies on Aging also provide them. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Aging & Adult Services provides in-person, virtual, or telephone care consultations through their partnership with the Cognitive Disorders Clinic at the University of Utah and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center at Utah State University.
You are not alone on your dementia journey. Help and support is out there. Let us help you get connected to people who understand what you’re going through. You can find additional dementia resources at dementia.utah.gov.
Links to websites or resources
Utah Department of Health and Human Services Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Program: dementia.utah.gov
Find your local Area Agency on Aging: daas.utah.gov/locations
University of Utah Cognitive Disorders Clinic: https://healthcare.utah.edu/neurosciences/neurology/cognitive-disorders
Utah State University Dementia Caregiver Clinic: https://cehs.usu.edu/scce/services/dementia-caregiver-clinic
