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The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded in 2002. The foundation was founded by a caregiver whose mother was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Their goal is to make sure that families and individuals do not have to go through the journey of Alzheimer's alone, whether that be themselves or a family member. They also provide support and resources for families with their hotline and 20,000 trained and educated individuals. The foundation wants to unite members to properly design programs to further their education and organization. They also want to spread awareness to the public about Alzheimer’s and related diseases. AFA has a national memory screening program that allows people to get a free scan of their memory. This program has helped and scanned more than 5 million people so far.

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The AFA was created in order to be a resource for families with members suffering from dementia. They help individuals approach brain health and educate families on how to care for their families. The foundation also helps train professionals so they can provide more adequate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s. There is a need for this foundation because although there are many people with Alzheimer's, a lot of their family and friends are unsure on how to care for them. This foundation is critical for proper training and education on the brain related diseases in order for people to take care of individuals. The foundation is also important because some families are not sure of the resources that they have available to them and the AFA has the ability to help families find proper resources for what they need. The AFA is a very helpful foundation in that they are making sure that people suffering from Alzheimer's are still adequately taken care of even in their state and that they still deserve to live a decent and happy life till the end.

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2 years ago I started working in a retirement home. I was not sure that I would like working with the residents but I enjoy helping them and talking with them. At some point I was trained in the memory care/advanced care floor of the retirement home. At first it made me sad to be up there with the residents but it has turned into my favorite floor to work on. There is one resident that is my favorite and really the reason that I love it so much up there. Before I first started working up there, I heard about this resident and she would be upset a lot of the time and just want to be in her room. The more I worked up there, the more I was able to connect with her. It is really hard to see how some of the nurses and aids will talk to them and treat them so I always try to be extra caring when I am working with them. Although this specific resident has dementia, I feel like she knows who I am when I see her. She does not talk a lot but she will talk to me if she is in a good mood. This foundation is very helpful and makes me happy that there are people out there who are still thinking and caring for people with dementia and other related brain diseases.

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The AFA Foundation asks for donations on their website to better their training and education programs. The foundations website has a tab that you can join the foundation and be trained to educate others. The AFA has events that can help expand ones knowledge of Alzheimer's and other diseases. There are trainings everywhere on how to care for families and individuals suffering from brain related diseases. Another way to get involved would be to educate yourself on the causes, effects, and resources that are available to help yourself be more aware of the disease and how to approach/care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.

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Mission, Values, & History

The mission of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

The commitment of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to those we serve is derived from the collaboration of our leadership, seasoned staff, strategic partners, and loyal supporters.

Together, our work is guided by these core values:

Dedication to compassionate care

Commitment to innovation, diversity, education, and research

Culture of collaboration and philanthropy with the highest ethical standards

AFA was founded in 2002 by a caregiver whose mother lived with Alzheimer's disease from 1980-1992. At that time, there was little information available and nowhere to turn for support. His goal was to make sure that no other family living with Alzheimer's disease would have to go through the journey alone.

AFA was created to be that resource for families in their time of need. AFA operates a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484), staffed entirely by licensed social workers, which provides support and assistance to callers, as well as connect them with resources in their area, no matter where in the United States they live. The helpline has grown into a seven-day a week service. AFA's national network of more than 2,000 member organizations serves families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses in each of the fifty states.

To help individuals take a proactive approach to brain health, AFA has a National Memory Screening Program which provides, free, confidential memory screenings at sites across the country. What began as a program on a single day in November has grown into a year-round service which has screened more than 5 million people to date.

AFA also works with professional caregivers and dementia-care settings to provide them with additional training and continuing education to elevate the level of care they provide on a daily basis. AFA has trained and educated more than 20,000 individuals through its professional training and community education programs.

Click here to learn more about AFA (links to a pdf).

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Mission, Values, & History | Alzheimer's Foundation of America

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AFA's mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.