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June 6, 2016

News from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Washington Updates:
Support the Issuance of an Alzheimer's Postage Stamp
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is taking public comments on the issuance of five new semipostal stamps over the next 10 years. Purchase of these stamps allow postal customers to donate to an underlying cause featured on each. Past stamps have raised millions of dollars for diseases such as breast cancer.
 
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has long supported efforts to have USPS issue an Alzheimer's stamp. Issuance of a semipostal stamp dedicated to Alzheimer's disease will help raise public awareness and encourage concerned individuals to get involved. AFA encourages anyone affected by Alzheimer's disease to submit comments in support of the establishment of an Alzheimer's semipostal stamp to the USPS. Comments may be sent via  e-mail, noting "Semipostal Discretionary Program," in the subject line. The comment period is open until July 5.
Register for Dementia Care Training
On June 14, AFA will offer a daylong, in-person dementia care training at Brookdale Battery Park Senior Living in New York City. The training, which is based on the "AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living With Dementia" DVD, will explore the fundamentals of dementia care and then some. Participants will learn how to recognize behaviors as forms of communication, the importance of truly building a relationship with the individual with dementia and his family and more. Certification as an AFA Dementia Care Partner and six continuing education contact hours for social workers are available with this training. Cost to participate is $95, and lunch is included. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, click here or call Molly Fogel, AFA's director of educational and social services, at 866-232-8484 x131.
News to Use:
Join AFA's Phone-Based Support Groups
AFA is offering two telephone support groups for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. The first, an ongoing group that is general in nature, is suitable for most caregivers and meets on Monday nights, from 7-8 p.m. EDT. The second is a new group, specifically-tailored to adults whose parents have Alzheimer's disease. This group meets Wednesday afternoons from 1-2 p.m. EDT. Each group is facilitated by one of AFA's licensed social workers and registration is required. To learn more, call our national toll-free helpline at 866-232-8484 or e-mail us.

Free Webinar: Clinical Opportunities With Older Adults
Stigma has kept many emerging professionals from working with the aging population. Yet, there is a growing number of older adults and an increased need for people to provide care and services for them. On July 11, Lauren Snedeker, one of AFA's licensed social workers, will present a free, educational webinar, exploring clinical opportunities to work with older adults and  the benefits of helping to ensure meaningful and quality living as we age. Social workers who attend this webinar will be eligible for one (1) New York State continuing education contact hour upon completion of the webinar and a short evaluation. There will be two sessions offered, one at 11 a.m. and one at 3 p.m., both EDT. Click here to register. 

An Evening at "The Father" on Broadway
Just in time for Father's Day, AFA's Board Chairman, Bert E. Brodsky will participate in a talk-back following the June 16 performance of "The Father," a Broadway play starring Frank Langella, as the title character who is noticing changes in his mind. The Father is nominated for two Tony Awards (Best Play and Best Actor for Langella). For more information, contact Tracy Cramer, AFA's director of development at 866-232-8484 or by e-mail.


Did You Know? 

Did you know that AFA's national toll-free helpline is staffed by licensed social workers? 

These trained professionals can answer a variety of questions on dementia and caregiving, provide tips and strategies to help reframe challenges as opportunities, and provide referrals to local services and supports. 

AFA's national toll-free helpline is open from 
9 a.m.-9 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday and on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT. 
Call 866-232-8484.

Join Us:
September 15
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference, Chicago
September 29
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference 
Washington, D.C.
October 26 
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference
Melville, N.Y.

November 11
AFA Concepts in Care Educational Conference
West Palm Beach, Fla.


Fundraiser Spotlight
Henri Bendel
New York and Chicago
 
On June 22, retailer Henri Bendel will host an evening of sips, sweets and shopping at its New York flagship store and its Michigan Avenue store in Chicago, to benefit AFA. Attendees will receive 15 percent off all full-priced purchases and Henri Bendel will donate 10 percent of event proceeds to AFA. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. at the New York store and from 6-9 at the Chicago store. Click the links above for details and locations.