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For Health Professionals

On this page you will find links of interest to health professionals as well as the latest research, news and developments in the adult day services industry.

 

Safe Return and Medical Alert Join Forces for Safety and Usability

In a move to significantly improve the safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association and the MedicAlert Foundation have created an alliance to bring people MedicAlert plus the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return program.  Together these two programs offer assistance when a person wanders or is lost and access to vital medical information in the time of need.  There is a one-time membership fee of $49.95 with an annual renewal fee of $25. Complete details may be found at www.alzco.org.  (Type the words “Safe Return” in the search box and click ‘go,’ or call the Alzheimer’s Association Help Line in your area.)

 

Principles of Care Provided by American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry provides a first-of-its kind model of care for physicians and clinicians working with patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.  The model provides guidance about the key elements of six care principals and discusses why this care should be made available to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The position statement encompasses clinical care for patients in typical clinical settings such as primary care, specialist care, and long-term care, including assisted living environments. The care model consists of a series of therapeutic interventions that are pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic and aims to:

• Delay disease progression
• Delay functional decline
• Improve quality of life
• Support dignity
• Control symptoms
• Provide comfort at all stages of the disease

To review these principles and the position statement in its entirety, log on to http://www.aagponline.org/prof/position_caredmnalz.asp