Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County?
The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County is a local, independent nonprofit committed to
providing life-changing support to people living with dementia and their caregivers. As an
officially designated 501(c)3 organization with over 40 years experience serving this community,
our team of dedicated staff, licensed professionals, devoted board members, and wonderful
volunteers provide assistance, education, and guidance to individuals and families struggling to
cope with this disease as well as training and partnership opportunities for the community that
surrounds them. Find out how we can help you as you go through this journey, and how you
can help us continue to provide this life-changing support.
Do you serve people living with all causes of dementia or only Alzheimer’s disease?
Our programs and services are available to individuals living with any cause of dementia, their loved ones, and professionals who care for them. Contact us for an appointment and let us help you.
Do you serve people outside of Smith County?
We will happily serve anyone who is able to come to our office in Tyler for services. In some instances, we are also able to provide support by phone or help direct you to local resources in your area. Contact us to schedule an appointment to see how we can help you.
How much do your services cost, and do you take insurance?
We are dedicated to providing our services to everyone regardless of ability to pay. Many of our services like Monthly Workshops, Case Management, Memory Screenings, and Support Groups are provided at no cost through the support of our donors and sponsors.
We do not accept insurance, but we do offer an income-based Client Assistance Program to subsidize the cost of our paid services:
- Counseling – Standard Fee $40 per session, assistance available
- Day Club – Standard Fee $40 per visit, assistance available
- Project Lifesaver – Standard Fee $370 per program enrollment, assistance available
How do I know if I or my loved one has dementia or general age-related memory loss?
Everyone experiences some memory loss and mental decline as they age. When those experiences increase in frequency or start to disrupt daily life, it may be a sign of dementia. Memory Screenings are a first step toward addressing concerns about memory loss. Our office provides a basic Memory Screening for you or your loved one at no cost to you. This assessment tool can be used to set a benchmark for monitoring your future brain health or to determine if more thorough diagnostic testing may be necessary. We also collaborate with the UT Tyler Memory Assessment and Research Center (MARC) that offers free in-depth neuropsychological testing.
If you are struggling to get your loved one to cooperate with getting screened, our Case Managers may be able to provide tips to help communicate the benefits as well as point you to area physicians who diagnose and treat dementia.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to take this important first step.
What do I do when I or my loved one gets a diagnosis of dementia?
When you just don’t know where to start, one of our Case Managers will listen to your specific circumstances and recommend our services or other local resources based on your needs. They can assist you with questions about everything from behavioral concerns to financial and legal planning to facility placement or in-home help. Contact us to schedule an appointment and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction on this new path.