First Link Referral Program

What is First Link®?

It is a proactive referral program that helps any newly diagnosed person and their family member(s) connect to help as quickly as possible. 

Why is your referral so important?

Most families leave your office overwhelmed and don't reach out for help until a crisis occurs, often months or years later, when things are far harder to manage. Early connection to support improves outcomes for patients and reduces the burden on care partners.

A First Link referral is the fastest way to ensure your patient doesn't fall through the gap.

What happens after you refer

• You submit the referral
• We contact your patient within 2 weeks
• They're connected to a Dementia Support Navigator who provides personalized support, education, and follow-up
• We let you know when contact has been made

Benefits of the First Link® referral program

• Your patient hears from us; they don't have to make the first call
• We reach out to families at the moment they're most likely to engage with support
• We follow up with patients as their needs change
• Early connection to support improves outcomes and reduces crisis

Why Alzheimer Calgary

We provide confidential one-on-one support, educational workshops, community events, an adult day program, and other dementia-specific connections within the community.

What sets First Link apart:

• We reach out first. Most services wait for families to call. We don't.
• We stay for the whole journey. From diagnosis through every stage, as things change.
• We're specialists. Dementia is all we do. Your patient gets dedicated, expert support.

Who can refer

You don't have to be a physician to refer. Allied health professionals, home care workers, and care facility staff can all make a First Link referral, at any point in the dementia journey.

Do people need a First Link referral to access these resources?

Not at all. Any person can contact Alzheimer Calgary directly for their own needs or those of their family members and friends.