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NY Alzheimer’s Group Opens 24-HR Helpline Citing the importance of a support system for people living with Alzhei-mer’s disease, their caregivers and health-care professionals, the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter has unveiled a newly re-designed 24-hour Helpline, making it more accessible to more people: 1-800-272-3900. The service, staffed by highly trained volunteers and staff members ready to assist with the challenges that accompany the disease, is now toll-free and boasts a translation service in 140 languages. The Helpline is also connected to the National Alzheimer’s Associa-tion Contact Center, which allows call-ers to be transferred to chapters around the country depending on the callers’ needs. "For people who confront Alzheimer’s every day - on a variety of levels - having this network of support is crucial. The Helpline is here to connect the person living with the disease, their families, friends, caregivers and health-care professionals to a knowledgeable and supportive community," said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO. The Helpline is available for people living with Alzheimer’s, those recently diagnosed, their caregivers, family mem-bers, students, and professionals working in the field of aging. Callers have access to a range of services, 24 hours a day, including referrals; general in-formation about the disease; support; answers to specific inquiries; and up-dated information on community re-sources such as home care, nursing facilities, eldercare lawyers, financial planners, and transportation. The New York City Chapter was the first in the nation to offer a 24-hour Helpline service, 17 years ago. With eighteen volunteers working three at a time, the Helpline receives, on average, 650 calls a month. An estimated 200,000 New Yorkers are living with Alzheimer’s. In addition to contacting the Help-line’s live staff at 1-800-272-3900, questions/concerns can be sent via e-mail to helplineny@alz.org< maiI to: helplineny@alz.org>.
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