Making a Caregiving Difference

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., appointed president & chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), joins us to share how we can get involved with local politics to make a difference for others who care for a family member. About Charles Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., was appointed president & chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) in 2014. Prior to joining AFA, Fuschillo served as a member of the New York State Senate for nearly 16 years. Fuschillo has expanded AFA’s national presence, increasing critical assistance to individuals confronting dementia, caregivers and their families. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to be more than 2,400 member organizations strong. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a national not-for-profit foundation provides optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers. AFA fills the gap that exist on a national level to assure quality of care and excellence in service to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and to their caregivers and families. AFA’s national toll-free helpline provides assistance from licensed social workers—in English and Spanish. During his tenure in the senate, Fuschillo authored more than 200 state laws and chaired the Senate Consumer Protection and Transportation Committees. He also served on the Senate Health committee. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer of a nonprofit family service agency that served Long Island and New York City. Fuschillo has recently been recognized for his lifetime of community service and his work at AFA with awards including but not limited to: The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award - Long Island Cares, Inc.’s; Pendl Badge of Courage Award, Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State Grand Lodge Foundation.