April 1, 2016

News from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America

April Is Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational Therapists Get 10 Percent Discount on AFA's Dementia Care Training

In honor of Occupational Therapy Month, which kicks off today, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is offering a 10 percent discount on its latest training DVD, "AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living With Dementia."

"Occupational therapists are a vital part of the care team and we wanted to show our appreciation for them during Occupational Therapy Month," said AFA's Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and chief executive officer. "These care partners help people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers by focusing on each individual's abilities, safe proofing the home environment and helping them maintain their independence, which is critically important."

The "AFA Partners in Care" training series assists health care professionals in gaining a better understanding of dementia, learning effective communication strategies, and developing relationships with the individuals in their care in order to foster more meaningful living. It also includes tips and strategies for professional self-care. . Developed by healthcare professionals for healthcare professionals, the program is appropriate for a variety of disciplines.

Individuals who complete the program and pass the associated exam can pursue designation as an AFA Dementia Care Partner. Occupational therapists can order the "AFA Partners in Care" training DVD, and take advantage of the 10 percent discount, by contacting Molly Fogel, AFA's director of educational and social services, at 866-232-8484 x131 or by

e-mail. Orders must be placed no later than April 29.

Join Us: AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference, Nashville

On May 5, AFA is teaming up with Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee (MHAMT) to bring its Concepts in Care educational conference to Nashville, Tenn. This free, daylong event will feature a variety of Alzheimer's and caregiving experts, including William M. Petrie, M.D., director of the geriatric psychiatry outpatient program and professor of clinical psychiatry at Vanderbilt University and Melanie Bunn, M.S., R.N., G.N.P., founder, Bunn Consulting.

The event will feature discussions on topics such as palliative care and understanding clinical trials. Creative arts therapies for individuals with Alzheimer's and related illnesses will be provided on site. There will also be an exhibit hall and free, confidential memory screenings.

Click here for more information or to register.

Washington Update:

Older Americans Act Reauthorization (OAA) Passes House

Congress took a major step toward passing the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization of 2016, when the House approved the measure prior to its spring recess. OAA programs provide vital services and supports to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. These include Alzheimer's disease education, adult day services, caregiver training, senior nutritional services, legal assistance, and elder abuse protections. OAA has not been authorized since 2011. Without reauthorization, OAA programs will be subject to yearly budget requests and fluctuations in funding.

Last summer, the Senate approved S. 192, reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), introduced by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.). Since the House version of the legislation varies slightly from the Senate-passed measure, the bill needs to approved, again, by the upper chamber before it goes to the President's desk. It is expected that the President will sign the bill into law.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has made reauthorization of OAA a priority and has worked with Congress to demonstrate the value of OAA programs and supports to individuals living with dementia and their family caregivers. In a letter to Congressional supporters, Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and CEO, characterized the program as "providing necessary care supports and promoting best practices to family caregivers. Absent these programs, the dementia population and their families would face increased hardships, greater challenges and higher costs."

News to Use:

Department of Justice Announces Regional Elder Justice Task Forces

This week, the Department of Justice announced the creation of 10 regional Elder Justice Task Forces: the Northern District of California, Northern District of Georgia, District of Kansas, Western District of Kentucky, Northern District of Iowa, District of Maryland, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Tennessee, and the Western District of Washington.

Task forces will include representatives from the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, state and local prosecutors' offices, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), state Adult Protective Services agencies, Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs and law enforcement. The creation of these task forces seeks to coordinate and enhance efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to their residents.

Webinar: Mobile Apps to Assist Vulnerable Adults

On April 14, the National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center will offer a webinar entitled, "Mobile Apps for the Community and Law Enforcement to Assist Vulnerable Adults." The webinar will focus on technologies designed to assist susceptible individuals who live alone. Click here for more information or to register.

Register Now: April 26 "AFA Partners in Care" Training at AFA Headquarters

On April 26, AFA will host an in-person dementia care training for healthcare professionals at its New York City headquarters. Participants will learn how to foster relationships, understand behaviors as forms of communication, facilitate care transitions, and other skills to help them excel as care partners. Click here to register.

AFA Introduces In-Person Support Group

On May 3, AFA will introduce its first-ever in-person support group at its New York City headquarters. "Helping Hands," which is general in nature and suitable for most caregivers, will take place from 6-7 p.m. EDT on Mondays, through May 24. Facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers, the group offers a safe space for caregivers to share feelings, learn tips and strategies to assist in their daily lives and gain support. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, contact Lauren Snedeker at 866-232-8484 or by e-mail.

We're Here to Help!

Call AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline and speak with a licensed social worker.

866-232-8484

Assistance available in English and Spanish.

Member Spotlight

Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.

Bayside, N.Y.

Every Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.--which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year-- offers SHARP (Selfhelp Alzheimer's Resource Program). SHARP is a social adult day care program that provides supervised recreation for people with a medical diagnosis of memory and cognitive impairment. The program is designed to provide stimulation for individuals with

Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses and to give their caregivers a chance to recharge, which can help individuals remain at home longer.

The program offers individual and group activities, including music and art therapy, exercise, trivia, and word games. SHARP also features the Dakim Brain Fitness program, a touch-screen computer system, which was funded in part by a grant from AFA. The system provides brain training games, including trivia, math, geography, and word games.

SHARP serves approximately 14-15 clients per day and also provides transportation to and from the center.

"Because of the intimate size of the program, we really get to know each client as an individual," said Erin Brennan, MPS, Q.D.C.P., Senior Programs Director, Senior Communities at Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.

News Update

Study Sheds New Light on Possible Cause of Alzheimer's

New research in mice suggests "synaptic pruning"-a process by which weak or unnecessary synapses in the brain are cleaned out by the body's immune system-may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study could have implications for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.