Alzheimer's Foundation Of America And Second Wind Dreams Forge Strategic Partnership

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 28 Jul 2010 - 5:00 PDT

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The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), New York, NY, and Second Wind Dreams (SWD), Marietta, GA, announced that they have forged a strategic partnership that will utilize their combined expertise, program strengths and local membership bases to further raise the bar on care for the increasing number of individuals nationwide with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

The two national nonprofit organizations, both of which are focused on serving the care and educational needs of the dementia population, will work together on various projects aimed at fostering better care and dignity for people with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and providing support to family and professional caregivers. Projects will include those related to family caregiving, behavioral issues associated with the brain disorder, and training of healthcare professionals. The organizations will also jointly promote each other's signature initiatives, such as AFA's National Memory Screening Day and SWD's program to fulfill dreams for older individuals, including those with dementia.

To kick off their partnership, AFA and SWD will stand side by side next month to educate family caregivers about dementia at AFA's free "Concepts in Care" conferences on August 6 in Charlotte, NC and August 7 in Raleigh, NC. As a highlight of the conferences, SWD will present its Virtual Dementia Tour, an interactive demonstration that simulates some of the symptoms of dementia in order to give caregivers more insight into the disease.

Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO, said AFA has found a "true partner" in SWD. "Second Wind Dreams has pioneered innovative programs with compassion and dignity at their core. The synergy and passion that we share will drive projects that will further each of our efforts to re-define optimal care and give individuals affected by dementia the respect and services they deserve."

P.K. Beville, a geriatric specialist and the founder of SWD, noted: "A partnership with the Alzheimer's Foundation is a dream come true for us. Promoting the need for sensitivity in care and creating positive experiences for those with dementia is at the heart of both of our organizations."

The collaboration comes at a time when the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is escalating nationwide. Currently, as many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and the numbers are expected to skyrocket in line with the aging population; advanced age is the greatest known risk factor for the disease, which results in loss of memory and other intellectual function and, ultimately, death.

Source:
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Second Wind Dreams

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