Overwhelmed, fearful, helpless. That's how I felt when my loved one was diagnosed with dementia…read more It's extremely difficult to find resources and treatment. Integrated Memory Care is the only primary care practice in the U.S. specifically for people living with dementia due to Alzheimer's, frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy body, and cerebrovascular disease and their care partners. Sadly, my loved one had been diagnosed for 9 months and had been treated by multiple Emory providers. No-one mentioned IMC. I learned about it through the Shallowford Alzheimer's Caregiver support group.
To Qualify
Before establishing care, patients must have a dementia diagnosis. Get on the wait list for a cognitive testing appointment and make an appointment with a neurologist in the interim.
Integrated Memory Care Clinic (IMCC)
IMCC enables patients and family care partners to have geriatric primary care, dementia care, caregiver support and education at one location with free parking! If your loved one has a cold, needs medication management, or is experiencing dementia behaviors, specialized nurse practitioners diagnose and treat with the goal of avoiding the ER and hospital visits.
One Stop Shop
Instead of a primary care doctor, patients' care is managed by nurse practitioners who have advanced training & specialization in dementia, geriatrics, and palliative care. The nurse coordinates care with geriatricians, neurologists and a clinical social worker. Dementia-sensitive primary care frees you from having to explain the diagnosis at every appointment, especially if your loved one has mild dementia and "presents well."
Before IMCC
I called every state agency and none were helpful. I have two degrees and struggle to figure out Medicaid! We'd wait months for a visit with a senior doctor who was dismissive. Even with a great PCP, every appointment was in a different place and the providers didn't communicate with each other. After hours and on weekends, we had to visit urgent cares and the ER just to end up with a huge bill and no treatment.
With IMCC
Now I message the nurse on MyChart and receive a faster response. Neurology appointments are handled through IMCC, with virtual cognitive tests. When there was sudden pain, we didn't have to leave home. Dispatch Health was recommended to evaluate my loved one. A wonderful social worker provides emotional support, disease education and self-care tips. Jenny informed me about financial resources, guardianship and managing dementia-related behaviors.
Treatment/Services
Services include preventive care & immunizations, treatment for acute issues like falls & infections, monitoring chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, care partner-only visits, planning for future care, cognitive assessments, referrals to specialists and an after-hours line for patients with urgent issues.
Resources/Information
The IMCC newsletter provides information such as virtual lectures, support groups, estate planning, clinical trials and events like "Musing Together" at the High. I've attended two empowering brain health conferences. My favorite project was "Improving Care Through Improv" at Dad's Garage where caregivers learned to use humor and "yes and" strategies to better communicate with loved ones. And we were paid!
Summary
188,000 people aged 65 and up live with Alzheimer's in GA. 374,000 loved ones are unpaid family caregivers. IMCC lessens the burden and enhances the quality of life of those living with dementia. I highly recommend giving IMCC a call!
