Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Coalition (ADAC)
The Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Coalition (ADAC) is a group of local health care professionals dedicated to serving individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementias, and memory impairment and their families and caregivers. ADAC also provides education to caregivers and health care professionals about Alzheimer's Disease.
ADAC works with people dealing with all types of memory loss, whether caused by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, depression, vitamin deficiency, or conditions such as strokes. While memory loss associated with Alzheimer's Disease often appears to progress more rapidly -- and is much more apparent to family and friends -- than forgetfulness that is caused by aging, everyone's experience with the disease will be different. Often the first sign families notice is an impairment of the activities of daily living.
Though the causes and progression of memory loss may vary, many of the coping strategies used by individuals, families, and caregivers are similar. ADAC works closely with families and physicians to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to develop a support plan that will help individuals remain independent.
Members of ADAC include physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, case managers, mental health professionals, legal counsel, and other pertinent representatives. ADAC assists families to better understand and cope with the effects of Alzheimer's, providing resources and support that help reduce the emotional and physical impact on the individual, family, and other caregivers.
ADAC services provide ongoing assistance to help individuals maintain maximum independence and avoid premature nursing home placement. Ongoing case management is provided to coordinate services, including the following:
- Appropriate referral for accurate diagnosis
- Counseling for individuals and family members
- Support groups
- Educational nine-week, early-stage Alzheimer's strategy seminars
- Education for families and caregivers regarding Alzheimer's and the care of individuals with Alzheimer's
- Development of a Family Care Plan
- Referral to community resources, including legal assistance, housing, Medicaid application, adult day service programs, and respite
Who should be referred to ADAC?
Individuals experiencing any of the following symptoms should be referred for assessment:
- Progressive memory loss sufficient to interfere with daily living
- Personality changes and variations in behaviors such as irritability, depression or agitation
- Increased disorientation to time and place
- Diminished self-care skills
- Lack of interest in usual daily activities
- Increased impaired judgment
- Increased social isolation
Contact RCIL for more information.