An Exclusive Peek at "AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals With Dementia"
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As announced in the last edition of AFA's e-newsletter, "AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals with Dementia," is a comprehensive new training program for healthcare professionals.
At its core is the concept of person-centered care--that is, the philosophy of tailoring the treatment plan/protocol to each individual's needs and abilities, as opposed to taking a one-size-fits-all approach to care.
The video features a variety of health care professionals, including renowned industry experts James Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor for clinical research and professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, and medical director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center and professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; Mark Lachs, M.D., professor of medicine and co-chief of the division of geriatrics and gerontology at Weill Cornell Medical College; Richard Powers, M.D., a geriatric psychologist and neuropathologist and member of AFA's medical and scientific advisory board; and dementia care consultant and educator Teepa Snow, M.S. O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A.
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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Spotlight On: Kristen Cribbs
AFA's Deputy Director of Educational Services Shares Insights About New Training Program
 Kristen Cribbs, M.P.H., and AFA's deputy director of educational services, spearheaded the development of the new training program.
Kristen oversees AFA's Dementia Care Professionals of America (DCPA) and Excellence in Care (EIC) divisions. Her efforts focus on establishing and promoting best practices in dementia care across sectors and care settings.She is deeply committed to improving the health and quality of life of older persons.
AFA: Tell us a bit about your training philosophy.
KC: Our training philosophy is rooted in the belief that optimal dementia care relies on building relationships. It is so important for caregivers to truly get to know the individuals for whom they are caring -- who were they before the disease took over? What activities did they enjoy? How many children and grandchildren did they have? What was their livelihood? Understanding each individual can help caregivers stimulate and engage them.
AFA: What is your goal with this program?
KC: Ultimately, our hope is that this program will cultivate a more skilled and empathetic workforce that is better prepared to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses and their families.
AFA: What topics does the video cover? KC: In addition to communication and relationship-building, the training encourages collaboration between all involved in an individual's care--doctors, nurses, families, direct care workers, therapists, etc.-- to ensure that everyone is on the same page and ultimately help improve the quality of care. Among other topics are facilitating personal care, promoting safety and security, managing care transitions, and supporting individuals and families at the end of an individual's life. AFA: Caregiver burnout is a real issue, but one that's not often discussed. Is this a concern of yours? KC: Absolutely! Caregiver stress, fatigue and burnout -- both with family and professional caregivers is a major concern. If caregivers don't take care of themselves, they can't provide the best care to the individuals with whom they work. The training features a module that provides strategies and tools to help professional caregivers ensure they are looking after their own well-being.
For more information on "AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals with Dementia," please contact Kristen at 866-232-8484 x117, or by e-mail.
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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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Save the Date
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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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