To enhance care and support for individuals, their families, and caregivers and to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research. The Alzheimer's Association Inland Northwest Chapter adopts the National Alzheimer's Association Vision Statement, which is creating a world without Alzheimer's disease while optimizing quality of life for individuals and their families.

Description:
The Alzheimer's Association - Inland Northwest Chapter provides education and support services to people with Alzheimer's disease (and related dementias) and their families. Services include:

24-HOUR CONTACT CENTER
The Contact Center provides care consultation, information, assistance and support to all caregivers and around the clock. All family and professional caregivers are welcome to call whether you are just for looking information and especially if you need help in coping with a difficult situation like challenging behaviors. Additional features include access to language translation. Caregivers can utilize this service by calling our Chapter toll-free number at (800) 272-3900.

ALZHEIMER'S INFORMATION SOURCE
Last year we mailed out high quality informational materials to over 700 people, all free of charge. In addition we publish and mail to 2,200 households a quarterly newsletter containing latest research information, caregiver tips, scheduled conferences and training opportunities. We maintain libraries in Spokane and in Coeur d'Alene.

SUPPORT GROUPS
The Chapter sponsors or co-sponsors free support groups throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho that provide a sense of community - a place where you can go, and without saying a word, be understood. Support groups offer an opportunity for caregivers to take a break, pick-up practical tips, share information, and relieve stress.

SAFE RETURN PROGRAM
Almost 60% of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point in the disease process and 50% of wanders won't survive beyond 24-hours. This nation wide program helps locate people whose memory impairment caused them to become lost. This bracelet program enables authorities to return a wandering loved one to their home. The program has a 91% success rate. The cost is $40 to enroll with a $20 annual fee.

SENIOR COMPANION
In Kootenai County, our Chapter trains senior citizen volunteers to visit families with Alzheimer's disease and provide day-respite. They enable the caregiver to take a much-needed break.

STATE AND FEDERAL ADVOCACY
The Chapter advocates for policies and issues affecting Alzheimer's disease and families touched by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

CONFERENCES AND TRAINING
On an ongoing basis we conduct educational programs, workshops and lectures for caregivers, family members and the general public.

MEDICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funding source for research to cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The Association will fund over $15 million this year in Alzheimer's disease research.

History:
The Inland Northwest Chapter has served Eastern Washington and North Idaho since 1986. The Chapter was founded by family members and professionals who wanted to support families in their daily struggle with this heart-braking disease while at the same time supporting the search for a for Alzheimer's.

Contact people:

Joel Loiacono, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Garry Matlow, Communications & Program Assistant, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (509) 473-3389

Address:

910 W. 5th Ave., Suite 256 Spokane, WA 99204 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.alz.org/inlandnorthwest

Directions:

The Chapter Offices are located in the Deaconess Health Education Center. The building sits on the corner of 5th and Monroe (across from the Shriner's Hospital).