Urgent caregiver help
This page separates emergencies from general caregiver information. Along the Way Care cannot provide emergency or medical care.
Call 911 now if anyone is in immediate danger, has collapsed, is having trouble breathing, cannot be awakened, or needs urgent emergency help.
A person is missing or wandering
If a person with dementia is missing and may be unsafe, call 911 and start looking in nearby safe places. Tell responders the person has dementia and is a vulnerable adult.
Call 911Official wandering guidance ↗Medication or possible poisoning
In the United States, contact Poison Control for free, confidential expert help. If the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911.
Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222Poison Control online ↗Caregiver crisis or emotional distress
Call or text 988 in the United States for free, confidential crisis support. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Call 988Text 988988 Lifeline information ↗Dementia caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides free information, local resources, crisis assistance, and emotional support in more than 200 languages.
Call 800-272-3900Helpline details ↗Sudden or serious behavior change
A sudden change can have a medical cause. Call the person’s medical provider for guidance. Use 911 for immediate danger or severe symptoms.
Open emergency information sheetCare no longer feels safe
Call a trusted backup person, the care recipient’s medical provider, or the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline. Needing help does not mean you are failing.
Caregiver exhaustion guideThis page is for United States resources. If you are outside the U.S., contact your local emergency number or health authority. Along the Way Care is educational and does not replace emergency services, medical care, legal advice, or professional support.
Last reviewed: September 14, 2026 · Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, Poison Control, and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.