Alzheimer's Arkansas

Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an incorporated nonprofit organization governed by a local board of directors consisting of family members of Alzheimer’s patients, business and community leaders, and healthcare professionals. The organization offers an array of programs and services, including respite care, home improvements (such as wheelchair ramps), and educational tools. All services are funded through special events, grants, memberships, memorials, and other contributions; eighty-five percent of all contributions received are spent in Arkansas.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas was founded as the Alzheimer’s Support Group of Central Arkansas in 1984. In 1986, the group affiliated with the national Alzheimer’s Association. In June 2002, however, the Alzheimer’s Arkansas Board of Directors elected to withdraw from the national association and become an independent nonprofit organization. Several state chapters of Alzheimer’s Association withdrew for the same reasons—to ensure that funds raised in the state were allocated in the state for caregiver support. The Alzheimer’s Arkansas Auxiliary was founded in 1996 and assists with fundraising events such as Advocate of the Year, statewide walks, and membership renewals.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas administers a grant through CareLink, a federally funded program to assist the elderly. Funding is channeled through CareLink to Alzheimer’s Arkansas to support respite care for caregivers in six counties in Arkansas.

Funds from special events help support an in-house grant called the Family Assistance Program. Family and professional caregivers can apply for the grant annually, and funds can be used for caregivers’ needs, including funeral services.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas programs and services include toll-free, twenty-four-hour telephone support for caregivers; almost sixty caregiver support groups; early-stage patient/caregiver support groups; financial assistance for caregivers; family education sessions and one-on-one counseling; community awareness presentations; training for professional caregivers; an in-house resource library; and a monthly newsletter. All family services are free for recipients residing in Arkansas.

For additional information:
Alzheimer’s Arkansas. http://www.alzark.org/ (accessed December 7, 2020).

Elise Siegler
Alzheimer’s Arkansas