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April 29, 2016

News from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Washington Updates:
President Obama Reauthorizes Older Americans Act 
President Obama signed the reauthorization the Older Americans Act (OAA). The signing comes just prior to the kick off of Older Americans Month in May. In a statement, Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, said:
 
"AFA praises Congress and the President for coming together to support America's seniors and their family caregivers. Since its inception, OAA has been providing necessary care supports and promoting best practice tools for family caregivers. OAA programs, like Alzheimer's disease education, adult day services, caregiver training, senior nutritional services, and legal assistance help the growing number of people with Alzheimer's disease and their families alleviate some of the physical, financial and emotional toll of caregiving. Absent these supports, the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and their families would face increased hardships, greater challenges and higher costs.
 
"By reauthorizing OAA, Congress and the Administration have ensured that vital and necessary supports for people living with dementia and their family caregivers remain in place. In addition, reauthorization of this important legislation, will help lower costs by providing long-term care services that reduce hospital admissions, re-admissions and emergency room visits, and prevent or delay placement of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in more costly institutional settings.
 
"AFA will now work with Congressional appropriators to ensure that reauthorization levels are appropriately funded so that OAA programs will have the resources to meet the growing need for these vital services to millions of American seniors and their families."

Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services to Meet April 29
The Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services will hold its quarterly meeting tomorrow, April 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At this meeting, the committee will consider recommendations on updates to the 2016 National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and will hear federal workgroup and Dementia Friendly America initiative updates and discuss progress toward a care and services summit..
 
 Click here to stream the meeting live.

AFA will report on the meeting in the next e-newsletter.
Ashley Campbell Announced as Special Guest for AFA's Nashville Concepts in Care Conference
Singer/songwriter, Ashley Campbell, daughter of country music legend, Glen Campbell, has been announced as special guest for AFA's May 5 Concepts in Care educational conference at the Franklin Theater, just outside Nashville. The conference, hosted by AFA, Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee (MHAMT) and Senior Helpers Nashville, is free to attend and open to family and professional caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses.
 
Campbell will share lessons she's learned caring for her dad, who began exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease while she was still in high school. Campbell moved back home after graduating college to assist her mom with the caregiving responsibilities. She will be part of the Creative Arts Therapies section of the conference, which takes place at lunchtime.
 
In addition, the conference will feature Alzheimer's and caregiving experts including, William Petrie, M.D., director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program at Vanderbilt University, who will discuss Alzheimer's, dementia and caregiving; Renee Kinder, M.S. C.C.C.-S.L.P., R.A.C.-C.T., clinical specialist at Evergreen Rehabilitation, who will discuss mealtime impairments in individuals with dementia; and Melanie Bunn, M.S., R.N., G.N.P, who will share positive communication approaches.
 
Attendees also will be able to take advantage of free, confidential memory screenings.
 
Click here for more information or to register. 
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Issues Statement on "Reagan" Movie
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a nonprofit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide in providing optimal care and services to people living with dementia and their families, has issued the following statements, thanking Will Ferrell for choosing to forego the upcoming Ronald Reagan comedy biopic:
 
Statement from Bert E. Brodsky, AFA's founder and board chairman:
"My mother lived with Alzheimer's disease from 1980 until 1992. At that time, I didn't know anyone who understood how to deal with the disease. I would get frustrated and even angry when my mom would ask 'When are you coming to visit?' after I'd just left.
 
"It took years for me to realize the scope of what was happening and how to deal with it. At that time, there was nowhere to turn with questions, no resources for support and very little regard for how the disease affects not just the individual, but his or her family, as well. That is why I founded AFA.
 
"This is a cruel disease and its impact on families is immeasurable. Thank you, Mr. Ferrell for making this smart and compassionate choice."
 
Statement from Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA's president and chief executive officer:
"The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, like most of the country, recently learned of a proposed movie parodying former President Ronald Reagan as he navigated the early stages of dementia.
 
"While we have not seen the movie or the script, we can say with confidence that Alzheimer's disease is not a laughing matter. To the 5 million Americans living with the disease and the family members who are caring for them, Alzheimer's disease is a brutal thief-one that breaks in, robs them of memories and destroys lives. We are grateful to Mr. Ferrell for choosing not to pursue this film."
News to Use:
Special Discount for Healthcare Professionals on AFA Partners in Care DVD
AFA is offering nurses and geriatric care managers special discounts on its Partners in Care training DVD during the month of May. Geriatric care managers will receive a 10 percent discount during the entire month of May, which is Aging Life Care Month. In addition, nurses will receive 10 percent off during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. For more information or to purchase the training DVD, contact Molly Fogel, AFA's director of educational and social services at 866-232-8484 or by e-mail.
 
Free Webinar: Living Fully with Dementia
On May 2, AFA and the Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) will host a free webinar, entitled, "Living Fully with Dementia." Suitable for family and professional caregivers alike, this webinar is designed to help people ensure individuals with dementia are living meaningful lives. There will be two sessions:  11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EDT. Click here for more information or to register. 

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 
North Shore Dance Therapy
Deerfield, Ill.

AFA is proud to welcome North Shore Dance Therapy as its newest member organization.
 
North Shore Dance Therapy is a dance/movement therapy and counseling practice based in Deerfield, Ill. The organization provides affordable, accessible services to individuals, including people with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and emphasizes the use of body movements to enhance the therapeutic relationship, and evoke emotions. This provides a way for people to express themselves, even when cognition is impaired.
 
Click here for more information about North Shore Dance Therapy.
Fundraiser Spotlight 
Fashion Accessories Ball 

The Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball (FABB), is the accessories industry's largest annual fundraising event. Since its inception in 1991, FABB a non-profit organization, has raised nearly $12 million for various charities. AFA is honored to be one of the chosen charities for this year's ball, which will take place May 4, at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. 


Join Us:
May 13
September 15
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference, Chicago
September 29
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference 
Washington, D.C.
November 11
West Palm Beach, Fla.


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