The Alzheimer's Association is partnering with the Orthwein Brain and Spine Center at St. Luke's Hospital on a program which enables physicians to provide enhanced care to their patients through expedited engagement with a social worker for support, education and connection to local resources. 

Through the Alzheimer's Care Navigation program, patients of the Orthwein Brain and Spine Center at St. Luke's who are diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers receive a complimentary care and planning consultation with an onsite social worker. 

"What's key about this partnership with St. Luke's is the timely engagement with support and services," said Stephanie Rohlfs-Young, Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer's Association St. Louis. "Too often in the U.S., when individuals and families receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis, they don't know where to turn for support. Even when a healthcare professional recommends they contact the Association, it takes on average, more than two years for families to voluntarily connect with us." 

Through the Alzheimer's Care Navigation program which launched at St. Luke's on March 22, the dedicated social worker proactively reaches out to individuals and their families within two weeks of diagnosis. And, in some cases, there is an opportunity for immediate connection, as the social worker's office is located in the suite with the neurologists of the Orthwein Brain and Spine Center at St. Luke's. The social worker is specially trained to educate families on Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and to assist with financial planning and long term care management. 

Funding for the Alzheimer's Care Navigation program comes from donor Joanne Parrish Knight. Knight, a strong supporter and former board member of both the Alzheimer's Association and St. Luke's Hospital, has provided funding and leadership on several initiatives aimed at improving care and support for families living with Alzheimer's disease. 

"We are grateful to Mrs. Knight for her generosity in facilitating this partnership with the Alzheimer's Association," said Todd Silverman, MD, St. Luke's Hospital Chief of Neurology. "The Care Navigation program complements what we do as neurologists and gives us the opportunity to quickly enhance the quality of life for patients and their caregivers during what is always a very challenging time for families." 

For more information on the Alzheimer's Care Navigation program offered at the Orthwein Brain and Spine Center at St. Luke's Hospital, call 636-685-7745.