- General Dementia Resources
- Screening and Planning Resources
- Hospitals with Geriatric Psychiatric Care in Arkansas
General Dementia Resources
Adult Protective Services (APS) – APS is mandated by state law to investigate maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people age 18 and older. Call the Adult Maltreatment Hotline at 1-800-482-8049 or fill out an online report here.
Administration for Community Living – The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
Alzheimer’s Arkansas – Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an independent, nonprofit organization. They offer educational and respite CARE programs, personalized support, printed and on-line resources, support groups (in person and online), podcasts, and financial assistance to family caregivers across the state of Arkansas. Their focus is to support the journey our caregivers face each and every day as they care for loved ones at home with dementia or chronic illness.
Alzheimer’s Association – This organization offers ALZNavigator™, an interactive tool to guide caregivers to appropriate resources and a 24/7 Helpline that can be reached by calling 800-272-3900. The Alzheimer’s Association also provides advocacy, education, and care and support resources as well.
Alzheimer’s Association “In My Community” tool – This community resource finder can help you locate help in your area including programs and events, home care, community services, medical care, and housing options.
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center – The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is an official U.S. government website that provides information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias care, research, and support.
Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition (ALRC) – The ALRC is a statewide system to identify and coordinate respite care options for families regardless of age, special need, or other characteristics of the person needing care.
Arkansas Association of Areas on Aging (AAA) – The AAAs are local nonprofit organizations that help older adults and caregivers access free or low-cost services to stay healthy, independent, and connected to their communities. Use their website to find local senior and community centers here.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – AARP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of individuals aged 50 and above.
Dementia Care in the Community Toolkit – This toolkit is aimed at overcoming the challenges of dementia care through community initiatives by providing user-friendly, practical resources for individuals with dementia, their families, and their professional caregivers.
Eldercare Locator – A public service of the Administration for Community Living connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can also reach them by phone at 1-800-677-1116.
Family Care Navigator – The Family Care Navigator helps family caregivers locate public, nonprofit, and private programs and services nearest their loved one—living at home or in a residential facility. Resources include government health and disability programs, legal resources, disease-specific organizations and more.
Find Geriatrician Providers in Arkansas – This list details Geriatrician providers in Arkansas that provide care for Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias (AADRD).
Find an Elder Law Expert – The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older adults and people with disabilities.
GUIDE Model Participants in Arkansas (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) – This Medicare initiative offers at-home support, care coordination, and vital respite services for caregivers of individuals living with dementia.
The GUIDE Model is actively implemented across the state through several approved providers and regional organizations:
- Arkansas Palliative Care: Headquartered in North Little Rock, they are an officially CMS-approved participant for the program.
- Area Agencies on Aging: Regional agencies across Arkansas partner to offer GUIDE services statewide, which often include care coordination and education for qualified Medicare beneficiaries.
- Private Homecare Providers: Regional providers like Visiting Angels in Northwest Arkansas and Southern Caregivers also provide CMS-approved GUIDE model dementia care.
GUIDE Model Overview Fact Sheet
Meals on Wheels America – The Meals on Wheels network is comprised of approximately 5,000 community-based providers across the country dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation.
National Institute on Aging – The National Institutes of Health can help you learn more about the disease, including diagnosis and treatment, and find tips and resources for caregivers and people living with dementia.
Technology to Help Dementia Patients – Everyday technology that people use around the house – including doorbell cameras, smart speakers and wrist-worn trackers – can help those suffering from cognitive decline and ease the burden on caregivers.
The Silver Alert Program – The Silver Alert Program was developed to provide vital information to authorities to assist in the search and safe recovery of missing individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders so they can be quickly reunited with their loved ones and/or caregivers.
Screening and Planning Resources
Arkansas Hospice (Arkansas Palliative Care) – Arkansas Hospice provides specialized dementia care planning, comprehensive care coordination, caregiver education, and other supports.
Right at Home Little Rock – This resource provides dementia screening, caregiver education, respite services, and in-home care coordination.
Dementia Resources for Veterans
Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs (ADVA) Veteran Homes – The ADVA operates two State Veterans Homes to provide long-term nursing care for eligible veterans and their dependents.
Steps for Accessing Dementia Care as a Veteran:
- Contact the VA: Call the VA Caregiver Support Line M-F, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm ET at 1-855-260-3274
- Schedule Evaluations: Initiate diagnostic tests through a VA primary care provider
- Explore Benefits: Review eligibility for pensions or compensation that may cover long-term care, including VA-contracted community nursing homes.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA provides home-based primary care, respite care, adult day health care, and specialized caregiver support to veterans with dementia.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – DAV offers free, professional assistance from benefits advocates to help veterans and their families receive the benefits they’ve earned, whether through health care, disability, employment, education, financial benefits and more.
Patriot Angels is a private consulting service that helps wartime veterans and surviving spouses navigate the complex VA Aid & Attendance Benefit application process. This tax-free pension enhancement provides up to $3,845 per month to help cover assisted living, memory care, or in-home caregiver costs.
REACH VA – This organization provides tailored support to caregivers via phone or video conferencing to help with care planning and stress management.
VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) – CSP offers resources such as the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), support groups, and the Annie Caregiver Text Program for managing stress and dementia behaviors. You can reach out to the Caregiver Support Line weekdays 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST at 1-855-260-3274.
VA Medical Centers and Geriatrics – This resource provides comprehensive care, including Home Based Primary Care, Homemaker and Home health Aide services, and specialized nursing home care.
Wounded Warrior Family Support (WWFS) Caregiver Respite Program – WWFS provides respite and supplemental services nationwide to the caregivers and families of wounded war veterans. WWFS assists with meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants, and In-Home Care services.
Facilities with Geriatric Psychiatric Care in Arkansas
Several hospitals and behavioral health centers in Arkansas provide specialized geriatric psychiatric care for adults, typically focusing on patients aged 55 and older. These facilities often offer 24-hour supervision, psychiatric evaluation, and treatment for conditions like dementia-related behaviors, depression, and anxiety.
UAMS Medical Center (Little Rock): Provides high quality geriatric care, including dedicated geriatric psychiatry specialists.
Baptist Health (Little Rock/Various locations): Offers specialized geriatric behavioral health services for seniors.
Saline Memorial Hospital (Benton): Features a 10-bed inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit (ages 55+) for intensive, 24/7 care.
National Park Medical Center (Hot Springs): Provides an inpatient behavioral health unit tailored for seniors.
Riverview Behavioral Health (Texarkana): Offers a specialized senior care program (ages 55+) for mental and behavioral health challenges.
Northwest Medical Center (Bentonville/Springdale): Provides inpatient geriatric behavioral health services.
The BridgeWay (North Little Rock): Offers specialized inpatient mental health services in a secure setting.
Arkansas Health Center (Benton): Provides psychiatric nursing for the elderly and those with cognitive dysfunction.
Dardanelle Regional Medical Center: Provides senior inpatient behavioral services.