Alzheimer's Foundation of America and National Alliance for Caregiving Release Report to Help States Implement Alzheimer's Plans
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Recommends Ideas for Both New and Existing Plans
In an effort to help advance the goals of the "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease" at the state level, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) and the National Alliance for Caregiving last week released a white paper that examines the scope of the Alzheimer's crisis, and the need for wide-scale implementation of state plans that address supportive services specific to those localities.
The report, entitled "From Plan to Practice: Implementing the National Alzheimer's Plan in Your State," outlines recommendations for both new and existing state Alzheimer's plans; best practices in implementation; and case studies from three states-Indiana, Minnesota and Rhode Island-that have successfully executed plans.
Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's CEO and a former New York State senator, said it is important for all states to develop plans because incidence of Alzheimer's disease is pervasive. "Each and every day, I see the social and economic toll this disease takes on families from all backgrounds and all geographic areas," he said. "It is time for activists, legislators and caregivers to come together and make combatting this disease a priority."
Learn more
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Government Agency Announces New Round of Innovation Grants
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Grants Will Fund Ideas That Improve Care
 The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) announced a second round of prospective grants (not final) to fund compelling new ideas aimed at improving care and lowering costs to people enrolled in federal health programs.
The awards are expected to range from $2 million to $23.8 million over a three-year period. The projects include ways to reduce unnecessary use of emergency departments, and to improve care coordination in rural areas of the country.
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Medicare Hospital Trust Fund Extended to 2030
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New Report Questions Long-Term Viability
The Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund , which covers Medicare hospital care payments, will remain intact until 2030-four years longer than suggested in its 2013 report, according to the 2014 annual report of the trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. 
The report also said that spending on hospital stays in 2013 was less than expected. However, it noted that analysts have not yet determined whether this was a result of broad economic trends or specific changes in the practice of medical care, including new penalties for hospital re-admissions.
Yet, the trustees warned that "neither Medicare nor Social Security can sustain projected long-run program costs," which could renew calls for Congress to restructure the Medicare program.
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New Joint Commission Educational Module Aims to Reduce Long-Term Care Residents' Infections
The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the U.S., last week released an online educational tool aimed at reducing the occurrence of infections among residents living in long-term care settings. The module introduces long-term care employees to the principles applied in other high-risk industries in an effort to help healthcare organizations raise the levels of quality and safety.
Alzheimer's Foundation to Offer New Support Groups for Alzheimer's Caregivers
AFA this fall will offer two new telephone support groups for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. The first group is for spousal caregivers and focuses on coping strategies as relationships change. The group will meet Mondays from 3:00-4:-00 p.m. EDT, September 8-October 20, excluding Columbus Day, October 13.
The second support group will offer practical skills for integrating stress management techniques into busy lifestyles. It will take place Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT, October 8 through November 12.
One of AFA's licensed social workers will facilitate each group. There is limited space in both groups. Click here more information or to enroll.
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Study Aims to Explore Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers of People With Dementia
In a recent study designed to understand the challenges faced by family caregivers of individuals with dementia, researchers at Aston University in the United Kingdom found that the most common issues include medication management, the need for clear communication, and the enormous responsibility of caregiving. The study sets the stage for additional research that will help craft future care coordination between family members and healthcare professionals. Read more
Addressing Critical Risk Factors Could Potentially Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Cases
New research builds on the idea that modifying risk factors such as diabetes, midlife hypertension, midlife obesity, physical inactivity, depression, smoking, and lower levels of education may help stave off Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that one-third of Alzheimer's diseases cases worldwide might be attributable to these risk factors and that improved access to education and lifestyle changes could reduce the risk of the brain disorder. Read more
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Member Spotlight
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A number of New York-based member organizations will be providing recreational therapies for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses during AFA's annual "5 Boroughs Concepts in Care" conference on September 12 in New York City.
Compass Yoga will lead therapeutic yoga sessions. The Alzheimer's Poetry Project will guide participants through poetry and creative writing sessions. Rhythm Break Cares will get attendees dancing, and NYU Langone Medical Center will offer horticultural therapies.
The free conference also includes separate tracks of study for family and professional caregivers, and features dementia care expert Teepa Snow.
For more information or to register as an attendee or exhibitor, contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8484 x112.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Quest Diagnostics
West Norriton, Pa.
For many years, Quest Diagnostics, the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, through its QuestCares employee volunteerism initiative, has supported and enabled Quest employees around the country to give back to their local communities.
To select its charitable partner of choice for 2014, the QuestCares team at Quest Diagnostics in West Norriton, Pa., surveyed team members for nominations. After narrowing the field to 10 organizations, the group voted "hands-down" for AFA to be the recipient of this year's fundraising drive.
"A lot of folks here can really relate to the cause of Alzheimer's and dementia," said Suzanne Check, software quality assurance product owner and QuestCares member who has experienced dementia in her own family. "It is through sharing that you realize you are not alone."
To date, the team has raised more than $1,200 through sales of baked goods, pretzels, books, CDs and DVDs, as well
as vendor donations--almost nearing its $1,500 goal.
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Upcoming Events
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November 7-9 - National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer
AFA's National Commemorative Candle Lighting Weekend of Prayer is an annual event to remember and honor Americans who have been or will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses. It is held each November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.
Learn more
November 18 - National Memory Screening Day On November 18, AFA will host its annual National Memory Screening Day. Free, confidential memory screenings will be administered by qualified health professionals at local sites nationwide, including pharmacies, doctor's offices, libraries, long-term care settings, and houses of worship.
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