About DCPA

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has many programs, divisions and events that may be of interest to the professional community. Whether connecting clients to AFA’s support programs and educational literature or participating in AFA’s national awareness-raising events, you can help make a significant difference for families in your community.


Publications
AFA’s user-friendly print resources include a free quarterly magazine for family caregivers and professionals— care ADvantage —the only magazine of its kind. AFA produces brochures on a variety of topics related to dementia, memory screenings, successful aging and caregiving—all of which leave space for your contact information for local distribution. In addition, AFA’s Care Planner is a pocket-size booklet that allows caregivers to easily keep track of the most essential medical, legal and care-related information for their loved ones.

Excellence in Care
AFA has designed a comprehensive set of standards, called Excellence in Care, that we believe constitute the very best elements of design and best practices in care for a setting that provides care to individuals with dementia. Such settings have the opportunity to work closely with an Excellence in Care Specialist in reaching these standards and earning the designation of an Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program of Distinction. AFA is also seeking qualified professional consultants to facilitate this important initiative in local communities.

Social Services
AFA offers a toll-free national hot line service (866.AFA.8484) staffed by licensed social workers. Our counselors provide one-to-one support for caregivers, as well as disease education, guidance about care, referrals to AFA member organizations and other local resources, and the personal attention that can make all the difference to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Social workers are on call to answer questions from professionals as well. A weekly live telephone support service for caregivers, Care Connection, allows caregivers from coast-to-coast to connect with one another, as well as with psychologist Dr. Jamie Rotnofsky, AFA counselors, and myriad guest speakers. Tune in each Thursday at 9 pm Eastern Time.

National Memory Screening Day
Join AFA in helping to raise awareness of the importance of early detection, memory care and successful aging by participating in National Memory Screening Day each November. On National Memory Screening Day, qualified healthcare professionals provide free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials at sites nationwide. By working with your organization and others throughout the community, you can play a key role in helping individuals understand their memory concerns and learn more about brain health.

National Commemorative Candle Lighting
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and AFA invites you and your organization to get involved in AFA’s annual inspirational event--National Commemorative Candle Lighting. On a specific day each November, families and professionals come together at local candle lighting ceremonies to remember and honor those who have faced or are currently facing Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness. Please join us in hosting this important event in your community.

Educational Conferences
With its dedicated focus on improving care for individuals with dementia, AFA holds local and national educational conferences geared for family caregivers and healthcare professionals. Top experts address treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease and practical care issues. CEUs are available. Click here for AFA’s upcoming conferences for family caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Let’s Take a Stand
Let’s Take A Stand Against Alzheimer’s Disease is a call to action and fundraising event organized by AFA. AFA invites organizations and individuals from coast to coast to stand united with us in a ten-minute observance of silence to dramatically emphasize the need for increased awareness of and attention to this disease state, and to raise funds to support services for the estimated five million Americans with this heartbreaking disease, and their families. By standing together, arms linked in solidarity, in silence, participants will send a powerful message that we are willing to plan together, work together and stand together to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

AFA Quilt to Remember
The AFA Quilt to Remember is the nation’s first grand-scale dementia-related quilt that pays tribute to those who have passed or are living with dementia, and their families, so that others can recognize the reality and enormity of this disease, and acknowledge that we stand united for optimal care and a cure. The AFA Quilt to Remember is being taken on tour to cities across America andwill expand in size with ongoing contributions for years to come. Individuals and organizations have the opportunity to contribute creative and thought-provoking panels.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America  866.AFA.8484 www.alzfdn.org