AFA E-Newsletter
May 17, 2018
Federal Government Delivers Additional Funding for Alzheimer's Research, Caregiver Support and Wandering Prevention
Congress’ work in passing a budget deal paid real dividends for those living with dementia and their family caregivers. The spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 included historic increases for both Alzheimer’s disease clinical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and caregiver services and support programs. In addition, a number of AFA’s policy priorities were included in the various legislative packages that led up to the final bill.

Highlights include:
  • A $414 million (33 percent) increase in Alzheimer’s disease research funding within NIH, for a total investment of $1.828 billion in FY 2018.

  • Over $180 million in funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, a nearly 20 percent ($19.9 million) funding increase from FY 2017.

  • Establishment of the Missing Americans Alert Program Act of 2018 (also known as "Kevin and Avonte’s Law") to provide grants for training and technologies that help first responders locate individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or autism who wander and go missing. $10 million was appropriated to fund the program from FY 2018 through FY 2022.
Educating America Tour Update
The Educating America Tour heads to
New York City tomorrow and Tempe, Arizona on June 22nd following successful stops in California, Massachusetts, Tennessee, South Carolina and Alabama.

Member Spotlight
Touching Hearts at Home is a non-medical home care company that provides caregiving services to seniors. The Minnesota-based organization aims to put empathy and the belief in the dignity of all people at the forefront of their work.

Craig Sendach, owner of Touching Hearts at Home - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens , said, "We offer aging adults, seniors, and people living with medical conditions or disabilities the ability to remain in their homes and maintain their lifestyle of choice."

"I realized through my family's own experiences that people requiring care don't always know where to turn," continues Sendach. "We are committed to helping families and individuals make decisions they won't regret. Caring is what we do."
New Jersey Becomes 40th State where AFA is able to Provide Continuing Education
AFA was certified by the Association of Social Work Boards-New Jersey to provide continuing education contact hours to New Jersey licensed social workers. AFA is now an approved provider of continuing education contact hours in 40 states!
May is Older Americans Month.
Get a Free, Confidential Memory Screening!
A memory screening is a simple and safe "Healthy Brain Check-Up" that tests memory and other thinking skills.

Each memory screening takes approximately 10 minutes and while the result is not a diagnosis, it can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.
Do you need help?
Call AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline

Helpline hours:

Monday-Friday: 9 am-9 pm

Saturday: 9 am-1 pm

Sunday: 9 am-1 pm

All hours listed in Eastern time.
Call AFA's National Toll-Free Helpline at 866-232-8484
if you have any questions or need help!