Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

Dementia Advice

Sep 2, 2022

Dementia Advice

Sep 2, 2022

Available through Health Link (811), the Dementia Advice telephone service provides support for people living with dementia and their caregivers who require:

  • Health-related advice
  • Education or information
  • Emotional support for events that occur during the course of dementia

The Dementia Advice service is staffed by Registered Nurses with education and experience in dementia care. They can offer specialist clinical advice and:

  • Conduct thorough assessments of the person living with dementia, their caregiver, or the situation
  • Provide supportive listening and short-term psychosocial support
  • Facilitate linkages with resources, such as referrals to home care case managers, First Link, or caregiver support

2023 update: The Dementia Advice line held a community partner spotlight presentation for our team members in October 2023, and you can review the 20-minute recording for updates and details about the Virtual MP Program.

Eligibility

All Albertans are eligible for Dementia Advice, and there is no age requirement or need for a confirmed dementia diagnosis.

Referral Process

Options for health professionals and patients:

  • Health professionals can complete the Dementia Advice Referral form and fax it to 1.866.979.3553.
  • Patients can call 811 any day or time to reach a Health Link nurse who will complete an assessment, provide recommendations for additional medical care or supportive strategies if needed, and refer the patient to a Dementia Advice nurse.

Download the referral form

Wait Time

Within 72 hours, a Dementia Advice nurse will follow up on a referral, attempting to contact the patient three times.