Programs

Everyone needs time to socialize, exercise, relax, and have fun! AFSC CARE (Community Alzheimer’s Respite and Engagement) is a cost-free program that is fully accommodated for people living with memory loss and provides a needed break for caregivers.

Whether a family caregiver, professional, or person living with memory loss, knowing how to navigate the ins and outs of dementia disease can help you show up for the people in your life without sacrificing your own self-care. The AFSC’s educational programs include the 5-week AFSC DREAM for family caregivers, workforce training, and an array of 90-minute seminars on a host of topics relevant to all aspects of living with dementia. Programs are free of charge and available in person and on ZOOM.

There is nothing like a community of peers to help you through the challenges that any life can offer up. This is never more true than in life with dementia disease. The AFSC offers dozens of online and in-person support groups, facilitated by dementia professionals, that can help everyone in the care continuum get the support they need. Choose from online or in-person general groups for caregivers; men’s groups, spousal groups, and groups for children caring for parents; and conversation groups for people living with memory loss. In-person groups include companion groups for people living with cognitive loss.

There are lots of things we can all do right now to improve our cognitive health, but where do we start? The AFSC’s confidential Cognitive Health Screening Program gives participants a baseline assessment of cognitive health, strategies on how to improve it, and discussion about whether or not you should talk to a doctor about cognitive changes you may be experiencing.

Navigating insurance issues, especially signing up for new programs like MassHealth, can be overwhelming on a good day; caring for someone with ADRD can make the insurance process feel even more overwhelming. The AFSC is lucky to have Bob Mauterstock, a retired financial planner and former caregiver, as our own SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) volunteer to help you through the rough spots.