First Link® referrals

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First Link® referrals help physicians and other health-care providers connect you to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. services and support to help you understand the diagnosis and to equip you to better cope with the changes to come.

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If you are a health-care provider, please see the page Making a referral to First Link® and download the referral form. Please note: you can download the PDF form, fill in information directly on the form, print and then fax it in.

First Link® referrals

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia is life-changing. Education helps people to be as prepared as possible for what to expect throughout the progression of the disease.

  • First Link® referral gets you connected to First Link® dementia support throughout your journey.
  • Once a referral has been made, you don't have to contact the Alzheimer Society of B.C. - we reach out to you to provide information and support.
  • First Link® dementia support includes:
    • Ongoing support calls.
    • Support groups both for people in the early stages of dementia and for caregivers, available in-person or virtually (online or by telephone). *Please note: in-person programs are currently on hold during the pandemic*
    • Minds in Motion®, a social and fitness program for people in the early stages of dementia to attend with a care partner.
    • Dementia education workshops and dementia dialogues, available in-person or through webinars.
    • Information and resources including brochures, fact sheets and videos as well as quarterly newsletters and updates on events in your area.

How do First Link® referrals work?

  • When those with a diagnosis are referred by a health-care provider, someone from the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will call within three weeks.
  • Ongoing follow-up contact ensures that you can easily receive information about the disease, help with planning for the future, tips for day-to-day living and support services when you need them.
  • A First Link bulletin for your area is distributed every three months to keep everyone informed about upcoming education and support programs.
  • Individuals/families receive an information package, connection to Alzheimer Society education programs and support groups, and referrals to other community and health-care services. Please refer to our First Link brochure for families for more information.
  • Note: If you are a person living with dementia, or you are caring for someone living with dementia, please ask your health-care provider to complete a form below to make a formal referral to First Link® dementia support. You can also contact your local Resource Centre or call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.