Non-Profit Organizations for People with Dementia and Their Families
A diagnosis of dementia is a complex situation for both the people with dementia and their family members. In addition to managing the physical and mental challenges associated with the disease, it may well be a heavy financial burden. It is important to note that older adults with dementia have the right to access a range of services and benefits aimed at supporting both them and their caregivers.
To exercise the rights of people with dementia, it is advisable to verify their eligibility for a disability benefit, a nursing benefit, or special services benefits provided by the National Insurance Institute (Hebrew). These benefits are designed to support retired individuals who require assistance with daily living activities or close supervision at home to ensure their safety.
Furthermore, people with dementia can obtain assistance in day centers around the country. These centers are specifically established for older adults who are experiencing a decline in overall functioning, particularly cognitive decline. It is important to distinguish these centers as designated day centers, separate from adult daycare centers that cater to the broader population of independent and well-functioning older adults. These centers can be detected through the welfare. department in your local area, or you can directly contact the specific day center you are interested in, and they will provide guidance on the acceptance process.
Other options to obtain assistance in daily care are to hire a nursing caregiver or employ a foreign worker (if you have been granted a nursing allowance, it can provide financial assistance to cover the costs associated with employing a caregiver or a foreign worker). Additionally, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also apply for an accessible parking permit, take advantage of tax benefits, access rehabilitation therapy services, or secure admission to a nursing institution with partial funding from the Ministry of Health.
The National Insurance volunteers (Hebrew) help people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at home by coordinating in advance.
It is advisable to utilize the call center for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families which is operated by nurses and social workers 24/7 and provides consultation and information. Further details are on the National Insurance website (Hebrew).
If you have private nursing insurance or any other insurance coverage, it is essential to contact the insurance company to determine the specific rights and copayment requirements for certain treatments that you can currently access.
In addition to the assistance from the National Insurance Institute and private insurance, there are several non-profit organizations specializing in assisting people with dementia and their families. Some of the activities and services offered by these organizations are free of charge, and some are for a nominal fee. In addition to the non-profit organizations listed here, it is advisable to inquire about the presence of local organizations in your area of residence that offer assistance to residents. You can verify this information by contacting the municipal welfare department and checking whether a local organization assisting the residents is active in the area.
Mobility and aid devices
These can be obtained through the health bureaus or through various non-profit organizations, such as: