Alzheimer's Foundation of America and Samarion(SM) Form Strategic Alliance to Enhance Care for Individuals with Dementia

Partnership will focus on innovative technologies and enhanced caregiver training

NEW YORK, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), New York, NY, and Samarion Inc., Jackson, MS, announced today that they have formed a strategic partnership to address the critical need for optimal dementia care through Samarion's quality improvement technology and AFA's enhanced training programs for healthcare professionals.

Samarion's Enterprise Quality Improvement System is designed to ensure the safety, security and privacy of individuals at risk for falls, wandering, elopement, abuse and neglect. The unique system monitors all aspects of ambulation, socialization and related activities of daily living to promote the healthiest and safest environment possible. The Samarion system is currently installed at two facilities and planned for dozens more across the country.

AFA's professional training branch, Dementia Care Professionals of America, provides comprehensive training for the safe and effective care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and sets standards of excellence through its qualification designation. Currently, more than 3,500 professionals have obtained the status of AFA Qualified Dementia Care Provider or AFA Qualified Dementia Care Specialist.

Under the partnership, AFA and Samarion will work together to establish and enhance integrated technological and training systems for myriad settings, including residences, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes, as well as assist in the transitions in care environments.

"The enormous care challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease call for novel solutions, collaboration and a combination of high tech and high touch," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO.

"Samarion's pioneering and innovative technology offers protection and dignity for individuals with dementia while addressing critical areas of concern for both family and professional caregivers," he added. "This partnership adds another vital dimension to AFA's ongoing efforts to reduce safety risks, and is based on our like-minded missions to provide optimal services and quality assurance to the dementia community by adopting new approaches that raise the bar on care.

Mark E. Rodgers, chairman and chief executive of Samarion, said, "The Alzheimer's Foundation of America has been the national conscience in defining excellence of care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Its renowned training program embodies best practices in every aspect of care."

"Coupled with our current and future quality improvement technologies, we will together usher in a new era of care that is vitally needed," Rodgers said. "It is my sincere hope that our partnership will also initiate a national discussion, bringing together all stakeholders to develop a unified plan that will reform and enhance dementia care."

The strategic alliance comes as the nation faces a rising incidence of Alzheimer's disease in line with the aging population. Currently, it is estimated that as many as 4.5 million Americans have the brain disorder, characterized by loss of memory and other intellectual function. With age the greatest known risk factor, the number of cases doubles every five years between ages 65 and 95. Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is a national nonprofit organization based in New York that focuses on providing optimal care to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their families, and unites more than 1,200 member organizations nationwide that provide hands-on programs. AFA's services include a toll-free hot line with counseling by licensed social workers, a free caregiver magazine, National Memory Screening Day, and training and qualification for dementia care professionals. For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

Samarion, Inc. is a privately held healthcare technology corporation based in Jackson, MS, solely dedicated to improving the quality of elder care. The company's innovative Enterprise Quality Improvement System -- SamarionSolution -- was developed and established to provide caregivers much-needed tools to achieve a higher standard of excellence in nursing homes and long-term specialty care facilities. Its technology includes SamarionPrevention, a unique blend of sophisticated technologies that incorporates image analysis software and intelligent alerting to reduce unassisted bed exits. For information, call 866-QLTY-LTC or visit www.samarion.com.

 

  

 

     
 

 

New Technology Could Stop Pancreatic Cancer View the Press Release here.

Alliance Wants to Spur Investment Dollars View the Sun Herald Article here.

Ablitech Receives Additional Investment View the Press Release here.

Hattiesburg-Based Company Eyeing Ways to Stop Bladder Cancer View the Press Release here.

Rex Baker Executive Director, Gateway Rescue Mission, 48, Brandon View the Clarion Ledger Article here.

Was a white supremacist murdered for propositioning a black man? View the CNN Video here.

Richard Barrett Murder Suspect Could Face Death Penalty. View the story here.

Court of Appeals Judge Donna Barnes Announces Bid for Re-Election. View the Press Release here.

Pointe Innovation Releases Spring 2010 issue. View the cover here.

Mississippi Business Journal: Ablitech relocates to The Garden. View the article here.

The Clarion Ledger - Prospectives: SUNDAY MORNING WITH - Michael Guest, district attorney, Madison and Rankin counties. View the article here.

DA Guest: Jackson Man Found Guilty of Two Counts of Armed Robbery and One Count of House Burglary. District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that a Madison County jury found Avery Neyland guilty of two counts of armed robbery and one count of house burglary for his role in the crimes at the Sunchase Apartment Complex. View the press release here.

SMG Completes DA Guest Video. View the video here.

10th Annual Conference on High Technology video. View the video here.

DA Michael Guest's Think Again Program. View the signs here.

DA Michael Guest: Pearl Murderer Found Guilty; Receives Life in Prison Following a Two-Day Trial. View the press release here.

Cliff Cox Radio Spots. Hear the new Cliff Cox radio spots here.

CNN: Hughes Trial. Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announces the guilty verdict returned to Carla Hughes for the murder of Avis Banks. Click here to find out more.

MTA President Pens Book. MTA President Dr. Randy Goldsmith's new book, The Guardian Angel: Every Entrepreneur Needs One is now available. View the cover here.

Rankin Record: DA Michael Guest is Tough on Crime. Story in the May 21, 2009 issue of Rankin Record. View article clipping here.

DA Guest: Canton Man Sentenced to 15 years for stealing $50 from 67-year-old-victim. Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that Marcus Donell Sims of Canton was sentenced to serve 15 years in the state penitentiary for the robbery of a 67-year-old-man. View press release here.

SamarionSolution Installed in Covington Retirement Community. Samarion Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Rodgers announced today that the SamarionSolution has been installed in the Christwood retirement community in Covington, Louisiana. View press release here.

Samarion Announces Partnership with Adesta. Samarion announced today it has entered into an agreement with Nebraska-based Adesta for the nationwide installation of the SamarionSolution in long-term care and acute care facilities. View press release here.

DA Guest: Billy Ray Corkern Pleads Guilty to Murder. Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that Billy Ray Corkern pled guilty to murder in the August 2008 death of Robert Clemons. The defendant was sentenced to life in prison. View press release here.

Randy “Bubba” Pierce. Chancery Court Judge and former State Legislator Randy “Bubba” Pierce of Leakesville announced today that he will be a candidate for the Mississippi Supreme Court; District 2, Place 2 in November. View press release here.

DA Guest: Walter Tard Found Guilty. Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that a Madison County jury found Walter Tard guilty of the armed robbery of the Drury Inn in Ridgeland. View press release here.

Cliff Cox for Sheriff. Cliff Cox, former commander of the Natchez-Adams County Metro Narcotics Unit, announces candidacy for Adams County sheriff. View more info here.

MTA releases Fall 2009 Issue of PIM. View the cover here.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America and Samarion Form Strategic Alliance. Alliance to enhance care for individuals with dementia. View more info here.

DA Guest: Jimmy Lee Fisher, Jr. Receives Maximum Sentence. Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Michael Guest announced today that Jimmy Lee Fisher, Jr. of Madison received the maximum 15-year sentence for robbery through a plea agreement. View press release here.

Keeping Children Safe on the Internet. Spring 2009 column for Pointe Innovation magazine by Heath Hall. Read the column here.

My Web 2.0 Journey. Summer 2009 column for Pointe Innovation magazine by Heath Hall. Read the column here.

My Ten-Year Journey through Innovation. Fall 2009 column for Pointe Innovation magazine by Heath Hall. Read the column here.

The First SamarionSolution Installed in Lake Charles Alzheimer’s Facility. Samarion CEO Mark Rodgers announced that The Guardian House Alzheimer Care Facility in Lake Charles, La., has adopted the SamarionSolution. View press release here.

Preventing falls in nursing homes. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and non-fatal injuries. Now, a cutting edge fall prevention system is helping nursing home residents maintain optimal health. View more info here.