16 Resources
Official Alzheimer\\u0027s Association regional chapter serving Illinois. 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900. Support groups, education, respite, and clinical trials matching. Useful for spouses and adult children who've watched memory or judgment decline over months and don't know the next step. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
24/7 free helpline 1-800-272-3900. Support, education, local resources, and clinical trials matching for dementia caregivers. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. Dementia caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and health problems than other caregivers — these resources are for the caregiver as much...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National helpline 1-866-232-8484, free memory screenings, and caregiver education. Relevant for caregivers needing dementia-specific behavior strategies — wandering, sundowning, aggression, refusal of care. Most groups meet weekly or biweekly, in-person or on Zoom; new attendees are welcome without RSVP. Wandering registries (some free, some local) flag missing-person alerts to first responders within minutes. Free, confidential, and available to any Illinois resident who needs the information.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NIH research-based information on Alzheimer's, dementia, and brain health for older adults. Relevant for caregivers needing dementia-specific behavior strategies — wandering, sundowning, aggression, refusal of care. Care consultations can be scheduled with a dementia care specialist for situation-specific planning. Wandering registries (some free, some local) flag missing-person alerts to first responders within minutes. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Education, support groups, and research for Lewy body dementia (the second most common dementia). A starting point for families considering memory care placement or arranging dementia-trained in-home help. Care consultations can be scheduled with a dementia care specialist for situation-specific planning. PACE programs and Medicaid HCBS waivers often cover dementia care at home — many families never apply because no one tells them. Open at no cost to Illinois seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
AFTD — support and research for FTD, the most common dementia under age 60. A starting point for families considering memory care placement or arranging dementia-trained in-home help. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. Power of attorney and advance directives are far easier to set up in the early stages — once capacity is gone, the only option is guardianship. Open at no cost to Illinois seniors and the families...
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Funds research into Alzheimer's, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Free resources for families. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Most groups meet weekly or biweekly, in-person or on Zoom; new attendees are welcome without RSVP. Power of attorney and advance directives are far easier to set up in the early stages — once capacity is gone, the only option is guardianship. Open at no cost to Illinois seniors and the families...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National public-benefit education and support hub for dementia awareness and care. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Local chapters run free support groups — caregivers, early-stage patients, and adult children meet separately. Dementia caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and health problems than other caregivers — these resources are for the caregiver as much as the patient. Free of charge — no eligibility...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find a memory cafe — social gatherings for people with dementia and their care partners. Useful for spouses and adult children who've watched memory or judgment decline over months and don't know the next step. Local chapters run free support groups — caregivers, early-stage patients, and adult children meet separately. Dementia caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and health problems than other caregivers — these resources are for the caregiver as much as the patient. No cost to older...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Brings personalized music to people with dementia to improve quality of life. Useful for spouses and adult children who've watched memory or judgment decline over months and don't know the next step. Most groups meet weekly or biweekly, in-person or on Zoom; new attendees are welcome without RSVP. Wandering registries (some free, some local) flag missing-person alerts to first responders within minutes. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Practical dementia care training for families and professionals. Relevant for caregivers needing dementia-specific behavior strategies — wandering, sundowning, aggression, refusal of care. Online courses cover communication techniques, fall prevention, and how to handle hospitalization for a person with dementia. Power of attorney and advance directives are far easier to set up in the early stages — once capacity is gone, the only option is guardianship. Open at no cost to Illinois seniors and the...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Helps communities become dementia-friendly. Find local chapters. Useful for spouses and adult children who've watched memory or judgment decline over months and don't know the next step. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. Dementia caregivers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and health problems than other caregivers — these resources are for the caregiver as much as the patient. Open at no cost to Illinois...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free helpline 646-744-2900 — pioneer in dementia caregiver support, accessible nationally. Worth contacting at the first signs: getting lost in familiar places, missing bills, sudden withdrawal, or repeating questions. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. Wandering registries (some free, some local) flag missing-person alerts to first responders within minutes. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Patient-centered advocacy organization fighting to end Alzheimer's. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. PACE programs and Medicaid HCBS waivers often cover dementia care at home — many families never apply because no one tells them. Free, confidential, and available to any Illinois resident who needs the information.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Leading research and care center for brain health and dementia. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Most groups meet weekly or biweekly, in-person or on Zoom; new attendees are welcome without RSVP. Power of attorney and advance directives are far easier to set up in the early stages — once capacity is gone, the only option is guardianship. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Local Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900. For families navigating Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia — at any stage. Free 24/7 helpline staffed by master's-level clinicians who can talk through specific behaviors and what to try next. Power of attorney and advance directives are far easier to set up in the early stages — once capacity is gone, the only option is guardianship. Free service; donations support but never gate...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website