The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) announced this spring that Phoebe Ministries has achieved AFA’s “Excellence in Care” distinction for all seven of its specialized memory care programs throughout Pennsylvania. This marks the first time an organization has attained system-wide fulfillment of AFA’s national standards for dementia care settings.

In recognition of the growing needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Phoebe Ministries launched the Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in 2012. It is responsible for insuring best practices in dementia care across all of Phoebe’s services, providing leadership in the field, and developing home and community based services for individuals affected by dementia. Studies indicate that nationally as many as 70% of skilled nursing residents show some level of cognitive impairment.

“As the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, there has never been a greater need for uniform standards that ensure quality of care,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s chief executive officer. “The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is proud to recognize an organization like Phoebe Ministries that raises the bar on care and embraces the concept of providing people with dementia with the dignity and the supportive environment they deserve.”

AFA’s Excellence in Care program, built with input from industry experts, consists of a comprehensive on-site evaluation and consultation on strategies to ensure care quality and sustain performance. Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, adult day care and adult day healthcare programs, and continuing of care retirement communities can apply for the evaluation.

For more information about AFA’s Excellence in Care program, visit www.excellenceincare.org.