AFA Unveils New Training Video for Dementia Care Professionals
"AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals With Dementia" Available Now
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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) this week announced a new program-available through its Dementia Care Professionals of America (DCPA) division-that aims to transform the standard of dementia care. " AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living with Dementia," is a six-hour comprehensive training video that underscores the importance of relationship-building in dementia care.
"As the incidence of Alzheimer's disease continues to rise, it is vital that today's healthcare and emergency services professionals are cognizant of the specific skills and considerations involved in caring for individuals with dementia," said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and CEO. "Our new training program is geared toward helping professionals improve quality of life individuals with dementia and their families."
Participants who complete the training can take an exam to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject matter and become an AFA-Certified Dementia Care Partner. This certification, renewable each year, will require that individuals earn continuing education credits in dementia care-related core competencies.
For more information, click here or call Kristen Cribbs, AFA's deputy director of educational services, at 866-232-8484 x117.
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Washington Updates
CMS Projects Modest Increase in Overall Health Care Costs
Recent historically low growth rates in the use of medical goods and services, as well as medical prices, are expected to gradually increase by an average of almost six percent during the period 2014-2024. This projection reflects both faster economic growth and the growth of the aging population. As a result, the health share of U.S. gross domestic product is projected to rise from 17.4 percent in 2013 to 19.6 percent in 2024. These findings are from a report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Office of the Actuary (OACT).
Antipsychotic Drug Use in Nursing Homes Trending Downward
In an effort to improve quality of care for people in nursing homes, the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes has been working to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs in long- stay residents. The group recently reported a 21.7 percent decrease of such drug use in long-stay residents, in the first quarter of 2015, bringing the national prevalence down to 18.7 percent. This is a significant decrease from 23.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, indicating progress toward the Partnership's goal. Success has varied by state and CMS region, with some states and regions having seen a reduction of more than 20 percent. A three-quarter measure is posted on the Nursing Home Compare website.
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AFA Members' Only Webinar: August 19
AFA will host the next in its exclusive members' monthly webinar series on August 19. Kristen Cribbs, M.P.H., and AFA's deputy director of educational services, will be the guest. She will discuss AFA's Dementia Care Professionals of America (DCPA) division, including the range of training and educational opportunities available and how DCPA can help your staff perform more effectively. There will be two sessions offered, one at 11 a.m. EDT and one at 3 p.m. EDT. Click here to register for the 11 a.m. webinar. Click here to register for the 3 p.m. webinar.
Webinar: Dementia-Friendly Communities
 On September 1, from 3-4 p.m. EDT, the National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center will host a webinar on creating communities that are safe and respectful, provide support, and work toward quality of life for people living with dementia and their families. Webinar participants will learn about key concepts related to dementia-friendly communities and hear from community leaders putting these concepts into action. For more information or to register, click here.
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Study Indicates Side Sleeping Position May Promote Better Brain Waste Removal
A new study suggests that sleeping on one's side, as opposed to on his back or stomach, may help stave off Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the fact that the slide-sleeping position may be more conducive to efficient removal of waste from the brain. Read more.
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September 28, 2015
AFA Golf Classic
Fresh Meadow Country Club
Lake Success, N.Y.
For information on participation or sponsorship, please contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8484 x112 or by e-mail.
October 1, 2015
Concepts in Care Conference
Frederick Douglass Museum
320 A Street NE
Washington, DC
AFA brings its popular Concepts in Care educational conference to our nation's capital. Sessions will include a medical overview and update, "When Dementia Strikes Early," the role of spirituality and religion in caregiving, maintaining quality of life through palliative care, and preventing wandering. U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice will be the lunchtime speaker. Attendance is free.
For more information, or to secure sponsorship, please contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8484 x112 or by e-mail.
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Did You Know?
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Did you know that AFA's national toll-free helpline is now staffed by licensed social workers from 9 a.m.-
9 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday?
Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
Call 866-232-8484.
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Member Spotlight
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Project Lifesaver International
Project Lifesaver International (PLI) has been a member of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) since 2004. PLI's program is designed to help locate and safely return home individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia or other cognitive disorders that may cause them to wander. The program uses a combination of radio technology-via a custom-fit transmitter worn on the wrist or ankle-and specially-trained search and rescue teams to accomplish its mission of "bringing loved ones home."
Through the years, AFA and PLI have worked together on several research projects and advocated for Alzheimer's funding. AFA has awarded grants to local PLI agencies and this past May donated $12,500 to PLI to expand its services throughout New York, via PLI's new collaboration with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice's Office of Public Safety.
Next month, Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and CEO and Josie DiChiara, AFA's senior vice president, external relations, will attend the 12th Annual Project Lifesaver Conference to educate PLI members about the Foundation and its national memory screening initiative, as well as to discuss the ongoing relationship between AFA and PLI.
Click here for more information on PLI.
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Chief Gene Saunders, CEO and founder of Project Lifesaver, during a recent training.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Shop for a Cause at Macy's
AFA will once again participate in Macy's "Shop for a Cause" campaign. A $5 donation to AFA buys a shopping pass good for 25 percent off all day Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, at any Macy's store nationwide.
The 25 percent discount applies to regular, sale and clearance items, including home goods, including brands that are usually excluded. A savings of 10 percent will be applied to electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings.
To purchase a shopping pass, call Andy Koleba, special events program coordinator, at 866-232-8484 x126.
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