The Alzheimer's Connections Demonstration Program: instituting a national case management program.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease presents significant challenges for families.
• Access to services and resources is crucial for caregiver well-being.
• Existing Alzheimer's Association services needed enhanced caregiver interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of case management programs in connecting families with Alzheimer's resources.
• To assess the impact of the Alzheimer's Connections Demonstration Program on caregiver support.
• To determine the sustainability of case management interventions.

Main Methods:

• A five-year demonstration program funded case management in 29 Alzheimer's Association chapters.
• The study focused on the final two years of operation, serving 800 families.
• Data collection likely involved tracking service utilization and family outcomes.

Main Results:

• Case management programs successfully complemented existing chapter services.
• A specific intervention focused on caregivers proved effective.
• The program increased chapter visibility and capacity for direct service delivery.

Conclusions:

• Case management is a valuable model for supporting families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
• Alzheimer's Association chapters found the program beneficial and planned to continue it.
• The demonstration highlighted the importance of dedicated caregiver support services.