Alzheimer's Foundation of America: No One Should Face Alzheimer's Alone
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Alzheimer's Foundation Of America.

The mission statement of The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is "to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life." The AFA consists of a variety of organizations which seek to provide a high quality of care to people with Alzheimer's as well as their caregivers and families. The AFA was founded in February 2002 and supports and promotes education, resources, program design and implementation, fundraising campaigns and advocacy for Alzheimer's Disease.

One of the primary goals of the AFA is to link various Alzheimer's organizations. Through a collaborative effort, the AFA seeks ways to fulfill their slogan which is "together for care.... in addition to cure." Through increasing awareness of Alzheimer's and educating people about the disease, the AFA attempts to meet four goals which include decreasing the stigma of the disease, promoting early detection and proper treatment, increasing utilization of community resources and improving the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

A unique service offered by the AFA is its "Excellence in Care" program. Through this initiative, the AFA is working to establish a standard of excellence throughout the nation for facilities which specialize in providing Alzheimer's care. To receive the Excellence in Care distinction, a facility must invite the AFA to do an on-site analysis of their building(s), medical care and programs. The comprehensive review includes evaluations of safety and security measures, whether or not the environment provides proper sensory stimuli including auditory, visual and olfactory, interpersonal involvement of staff with patients and how knowledgeable the staff is in dealing with the special needs of patients suffering from dementia.

The AFA offers a toll-free hotline which is staffed by professionals who can help link callers to community resources near them for help. The hotline, which can be reached by calling (800) AFA-8484, observes regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At other times, callers can leave a message and a counselor will contact them.

The AFA publishes a free, quarterly magazine for caregivers called "Care ADvantage." Articles in Care ADvantage are written by authors who are recognized as experts in their fields. The current issue and past articles from Care ADvantage can be accessed through the AFA site.

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