Special to the
Opelika Observer
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) recently announced that Christine Browdy of Auburn has been named an Excellence in Care (EIC) specialist.
AFA’s EIC specialists are highly trained professionals with experience in dementia care who evaluate and consult with dementia care settings to make sure they are in compliance with AFA’s nationwide standard of excellence.
“AFA is pleased to welcome Christine as our newest EIC specialist. Her experience working with seniors and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and her commitment to caring for these individuals, will serve her well in this new role as she helps dementia care facilities achieve higher national standards,” said AFA’s President and Chief Executive Officer Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “Christine exemplifies the type of hard-working, skilled dementia care professional, with the proper training, who can use her expertise to enhance dementia care settings.”
Care settings that apply for the voluntary evaluation, and comply with the standards, earn the status of AFA Excellence in Care Dementia Program of Distinction. AFA’s EIC specialists work with participating settings to enhance their dementia programs by examining crucial facets of care, ranging from staff education to the physical environment, safety procedures, program activities, staff-client interaction and meaningful living and active engagement. An EIC distinction reflects what AFA believes to be essential components of any quality dementia care program at assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, senior care residential communities and adult day programs.
Browdy, MCC, CSA and NBCC, was named an AFA Excellence in Care specialist after completing AFA’s signature training program, as well as a specialized orientation specifically for the EIC specialists, and can now conduct on-site evaluations and collaborate with care settings to meet the requirements.
Browdy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration at Auburn University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Troy University. Browdy currently holds a Society of Certified Senior Advisors designation; is a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors; and is a Positive Approach to Care Certified Independent Consultant and Coach.
Browdy is also the Director of REACH (Refresh, Encourage, Activities, Care, Hope), part of Auburn United Methodist Church, a community respite ministry in Auburn offering physical, mental and emotional interaction with participants and volunteers in a safe and creative environment. Designed for people with early to moderate memory issues. REACH aims to improve the quality of life of those individuals living with dementia and offer support to caregivers.
Professionals interested in becoming an AFA EIC specialist can visit www.alzfdn.org or call 866-232-8484 for more information.