CMS Seeks to Increase Consumer Rights in Post-Acute Settings
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Two Initiatives Aim to Enhance Care Quality
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced two initiatives to enhance quality in Medicare post-acute care settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home health services.
The first initiative seeks to enhance and expand CMS' Five Star Quality Rating System for nursing homes, through the addition of nationwide focused survey inspections; payroll-based staffing reporting; timely and complete inspection data; and improved scoring methodology.
A second initiative, focused on home health agencies, will provide new consumer rights as part of a proposed revised Medicare "conditions of participation" (COP). Elements in this revised COP for home health agencies include: expansion of patient rights requirements; refocusing of the patient assessment on physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial conditions; improved communication systems; and requirements for a data-driven quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) program.
Learn more
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Join Us - 10th Annual "For the Love of...Those We Honor" Cocktail Reception and Concert
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There is still time to purchase tickets for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) 10th Annual "For the Love of...Those We Honor," cocktail reception and concert in New York City. Proceeds from the evening will benefit AFA's programs and services.
The event will feature performances by musical artists Todd Carey and Honor By August, along with open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction.
Tickets cost $100 and are available here.
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Register Now - Telephone-Based Caregiver Stress Relief Support Group
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Next week, AFA will debut a new, telephone-based support group for family caregivers. The six-week group will focus on stress management and will offer strategies and practical skills that fit into busy lifestyles.
Offered on Wednesdays, beginning October 15, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET, the group will tackle the following topics:
- Your Stress Temperature: Understanding the Sources and Impact of Caregiver Stress
- Mindfulness and Stress Management
- Stress and the Body
- Using Creativity to Manage Stress
- Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Techniques
- "I'm Too Busy to Relax;" Time Management Tools
People can choose to attend one session or enroll in the series. The group will be facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers. For more information or to enroll, call 866-232-8484 or e-mail.
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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Debuts Spanish Language Resources to Help Protect Older Adults
In an effort to protect the nearly two in five older Hispanics with limited English language proficiency from financial abuse and scams, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has introduced new Spanish-language materials. "Money Smart for Adults" teaches older adults and their caregivers how to identify scams and fraud. Another brochure, "Managing Someone Else's Money" offers information on government fiduciaries, agents under power of attorney, guardians of property, and trustees. English language versions of the materials are also available. Click here for more information or to download.
Brain Initiative Gets New Members
A number of organizations, including federal agencies, universities, foundations, and businesses, have joined the Brain Initiative,
a program introduced by President Obama in 2013 that is designed to help provide a better understanding of the brain in action. These groups have committed to aligning their research with the goals and objectives of the brain initiative.
Caregivers Wanted For New Study to Assess Cognitive Toll of Caregiving
The 21st Century BrainTrust(TM) (21CBT) has launched the 21CBT/Caregiver Health-eBrain Study in partnership with Lumosity and DANA Brain Vital. This new virtual study, to assess the cognitive toll of caregiving, is the first of its kind to characterize the brain health profile of caregivers using web-based cognitive tools and mobile applications. The study will assess cognition as measured by the Lumosity's cognitive assessment, the Brain Performance Test (BPT), in caregivers as compared with aggregate scores of the general population. The initial phase includes caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. After analysis of the results of the first phase, the plan is to expand the study to other caregivers. The study is open to the first 10,000 caregivers who register. Click here for more information or to register.
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Study Suggests Stress, Moodiness in Middle Aged Women May Increase Alzheimer's Risk
A new study suggests that stress, moodiness, guilt, envy, and depression among middle-aged women may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life.
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Member Spotlight
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See Your Organization Here
In each issue of AFA's e-news, we spotlight programs, services and events hosted by our fabulous network of more than 1,700 member organizations nationwide.
The purpose for this is twofold -- to highlight the wonderful work our member organizations are doing in their communities and also to inspire other member organizations who may be looking to put a fresh perspective on their everyday activities.
If you would like for your organization to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight, please contact Amanda Secor, director of communications, at 866-232-8484 x121 or by e-mail.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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New Ways to Give
Through strategic merchant partnerships, AFA offers a variety of ways to give, while purchasing everyday items. Check out the merchant section of our website to learn more.
We are also pleased to announce a new partnership with American Medical ID. American Medical ID will contribute 20 percent of sales of any Alzheimer's disease-related jewelry products to AFA.
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American Medical ID's Alzheimer's bracelets
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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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