OUR MISSION
To provide educational programs, support services and assistance to caregivers, families and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
OUR VISION
For all those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, and their caregivers, to have a better quality of life.
2021 Volunteer of the Year
We are proud to announce our 2021, The Dominick DePetrillo Volunteer of the Year Award in Memory of Rose DePetrillo to Miss Laura Arnold. She is a true testament to what “Volunteer” means.
Laura was born in Hagerstown Maryland and was raised in Dayton, Ohio. She moved to Florida in 1974. She volunteers for Elks Lodge 2284, Pasco/Hernando College Performing Arts, her church, the Thrift Store at the church and is an AFO Support Group Leader at First United Methodist Church. Laura writes a monthly article about caregiving in the church bulletin and volunteers as well as the AFO as she believes it is important to give back.
Placed in a situation where she needed advice and support in caring for a friend/companion with dementia, Laura became involved in Alzheimer’s Family Organization many years ago. She began attending an AFO Caregiver Support Group, facilitated by Maria Curley, one of the individuals who helped start the AFO. Maria moved in 2011 and asked Laura to take over the group. She was honored to do so and jumped in with both feet. She continues to be a strong group leader in West Pasco County.
Knowing firsthand that not only do caregivers need support and love from others, they also need information to help make their journey a bit easier. She knew she had to find resources and assistance to provide that support. The group has been a blessing for many caregivers over the years and is a great success. The caregivers appreciate the support they receive at the meetings from Laura.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are complicated diseases and being in a caregiver’s support group helps them navigate the journey. Laura tries to find information in knowing solutions to the problems that crop up in the lives of those who care for others.
We are very blessed to have Laura as a longtime volunteer and appreciate all her time and effort given to the AFO. During this past year with COVID, Laura went above and beyond to keep that connection with the caregivers in her group, even meeting at the beach toward the end of 2020 to ensure that personal touch was implemented.
Thank you, Laura for your years of dedication to the AFO and the caregivers you have served over your time with us!
STRATEGIES DURING COVID-19
We are excited to share a dementia training resource that the FSU College of Medicine Dept. of Geriatrics’ REACH Program, the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (specifically TMH Memory Disorder clinic and the Alzheimer’s Project), and Aging Advocate have created to educate first responders and family care partners. This 22 minute video explains the basics of dementia, communication tips and supportive interventions, critical thinking strategies, and ways that families can be prepared when crisis situations occur. This content is especially relevant during times of restricted support for persons with dementia due to COVID-19.
The video is live on our new YouTube Channel. Please click the link to check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5dqJoriB2Q&t=7s
We kindly ask those who watch the video to please give us your feedback in a brief survey: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV...
COVID-19 Vaccination and Memory Disorders
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