Dementia Care Digest

 

   Official newsletter of the

Alzheimer's Foundation of America's

Dementia Care Professionals of America division
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May 2015/Issue 10
A Message from AFA's Deputy Director, Educational Services

In order to be the best care partners we can be when working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, as well as their families, it's important for us to embrace opportunities to continually learn and grow as professionals. 


On May 15, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America will be hosting its free, annual "Concepts in Care Educational Conference" in New York City, which will feature a specialized track for dementia care partners, like you. 

During the event, you will have the opportunity to learn about emerging issues and best practices in the dementia care field and network with other professionals and family caregivers from across the country.

 

We hope you will take advantage of this exciting chance to learn, connect with like-minded care partners, and develop professionally.  For more information or to register for the conference, visit our website. 

 

We look forward to seeing you on May 15!  

 

In health,

Kristen Cribbs, MPH
Deputy Director, Educational Services
On the Job: Tips for Providing Optimal Care
New PBS Documentary on Caregiving

 

On May 7, PBS will premiere a new documentary on caregiving, "Caring for Mom & Dad." Narrated by Meryl Streep, the documentary will explore the emotional, health, and financial challenges faced by caregivers daily. Visit the website for more information and watch the trailer here.

 

Facility Pilots Program Inspired by '50 First Dates' Movie

 

The Hebrew Home at Riverdale in New York City is testing a new approach to help stimulate positive memories and emotions among their residents with early- to mid-stage dementia at the start of each day. Inspired by the 2004 movie '50 First Dates,' starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymoore, the program seeks to set a positive tone for the day by playing personalized, short videos of the individuals' family remembers for them each morning. Read more about the program.


 
In the News
  • A recent "Wall Street Journal" article discusses the innovative drug trial taking place in Colombia--supported by Genentech Inc., the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix--which involves intervention among an extended family whose members are likely to carry a gene that predisposes them to developing early-onset dementia.
  • A piece in "The New York Times" explores the role of palliative care in promoting a nursing home culture shift towards person-centeredness. 
  • "The Washington Post" discusses the ruling in a recent sex abuse case, in which a former Iowa legislator was found not guilty of sexually abusing his late wife, who had Alzheimer's disease. The case illuminates the importance for nursing homes to have clearer policies regarding determination of capacity for decision-making. 
Continuing Education

The White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) recently released its second policy brief, in anticipation of the upcoming 2015 Conference. The brief discusses long-term services and supports (LTSS), which will be a primary area of focus at the Conference. Topic areas covered in the brief include: informal caregiving; direct care workers; formal services and supports; access to information and services; and financing LTSS. 


Read the WHCOA brief and take the corresponding Dementia Care Digest quiz to earn one Continuing Education Unit (CEU)*. 


 

*Professionals who are sanctioned as AFA Qualified Dementia Care Providers or AFA Qualified Dementia Care Specialists must renew their AFA qualification every two years by obtaining four CEUs.

 

Every hour of continuing education equals one credit. 30 minutes of content equals 0.5 credits. A program of less than 30 minutes in total is not applicable, and all intervals of less than 30 minutes are rounded down to the nearest 30-minute mark.

Completion of each Dementia Care Digest quiz equals one CEU.

 
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