Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Alzheimer's
Foundation of America

alzheimer’s foundation of america offers dementia-specific training for social workers continuing education contact hours available for completing program and exam

Currently, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses and that number is expected to nearly triple by mid-century. As the incidence of this devastating disease continues to grow, a meaningful understanding of dementia is essential to today’s care professionals. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently released a comprehensive six-hour training DVD—“AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living with Dementia”—that can help social workers gain dementia-specific skills and sensitivities that can help make a positive difference in the quality of life of the people in their care. Licensed social workers who complete the program and pass the associated exam are eligible to receive 5.5 continuing education contact hours from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work.

The program takes a person-centered approach to dementia care, placing individuals with dementia and their families at the center of the decision-making process. This approach is designed to improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses. The program also provides self-care strategies for caregivers, helping them to avoid burnout and improve the quality of the care they provide.

“With the incidence of dementia on the rise, it is critical that social workers have dementia -specific training,” said Molly Fogel, L.C.S.W, and director of educational and social services at AFA. “This program provides practical tips and strategies they can implement with individuals living with dementia, their families, and other care partners.”

The video features appearances by a host of dementia care experts, including James Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor for clinical research and professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, and medical director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center and professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; Mark Lachs, M.D., professor of medicine and co-chief of the division of geriatrics and gerontology at Weill Cornell Medical College; Richard Powers, M.D., a geriatric psychologist and neuropathologist and member of AFA’s medical and scientific advisory board; and dementia care consultant and educator Teepa Snow, M.S. O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A. In addition, individuals living with dementia, their families and including direct care workers provide personal perspectives and insights.

The “AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living with Dementia” training program is available for purchase at www.careprofessionals.org. For pricing and additional information, contact Molly Fogel at 866-232-8484 or by e-mail at mfogel@alzfdn.org.

About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,400 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline staffed by licensed social workers, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook.