First Link®
First Link® is a referral program that connects people living with dementia and their care partners with our education and support services.
Interested in making a referral? Complete the First Link® referral form.
What is First Link®?
First Link® is a referral program designed to help newly diagnosed people with dementia get the help they need as soon as possible.
The Alzheimer Society provides services and support at the time of diagnosis and throughout the duration of the disease. Individuals and their families are linked to learning, services and support as early as possible in the disease process. First Link® helps to assist physicians and health and community service providers to connect people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families with the Alzheimer Society.
Removing barriers
It is often difficult for individuals and families affected by dementia to ask for help. Many families are told about the Alzheimer Society and dementia care services, but will not actually make the phone call until a crisis occurs.
The First Link® program removes this barrier to support by ensuring that individuals and families are referred directly to First Link® at the time of diagnosis or as soon as possible after a diagnosis is made.
How the First Link® program works
Once a referral is received at the Alzheimer Society, a staff member will contact the person referred directly to answer any questions they may have and offer them the services of the Alzheimer Society and/or link them to other programs and services within their community.
Connecting people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their families to support and information early in the disease is important as it helps them develop competency and resiliency in facing their journey with dementia. The Alzheimer Society helps with planning, support and information, education, and provides access to support services and dementia-specific expertise.
Benefits of First Link®
- Get connected early and support you throughout your journey
- Learn about every step of the journey; from diagnosis to day-to-day living
- Connect to Alzheimer Society programs and other community and health care services
Who can make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to First Link® including:
- Self-referral
- Family physician
- Family members
- Community care partners
- Allied health professionals
We encourage all physicians and community health care partners to use the First Link® referral form. Please fax the form to 705-722-9392.