Alzheimer Society First Link® program

First Link® is a direct referral program that connects newly diagnosed persons with dementia and their caregivers with community supports, including:

  • Learning supports – dementia education regarding day- to-day living, communication, positive approaches to care, strategies for managing challenges, and preparing for the future

  • Link to care services – connection to Alzheimer Society programs and navigation of other community resources including recreation programs, vulnerable person registry, in-home care, meals-on-wheels, transportation, adult day programs and more

  • Supports – social work services and facilitated peer support groups

The importance of being referred to First Link®

  • It is often difficult for families and healthcare providers to know all the services available to people living with dementia

  • Information and support, especially early on after diagnosis, helps patients and families cope with greater confidence and live well with dementia

  • First Link® provides regular and proactive contact with clients and caregivers throughout the dementia journey

Referrals

Referrals are accepted as soon as a diagnosis is made, or at any other time in the dementia journey.

Referrals can be accepted from:

  • Persons with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of dementia (i.e. Alzheimer-related diseases, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, MCI, etc.)

  • Caregivers and family members

  • Physicians, health care providers

  • Community organizations

To make a referral to First Link®:

For more information about First Link®, please contact Lisa Kovacevic, First Link Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of York Region at 905-726-3477 ext. 226 / 1-888-414-5550 or email: lkovacevic@alzheimer-york.com