Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Honors Dementia Care Professional of the Year

In Broward County, FL, the Coral Springs (FL) Police Department has a mantra: “If it involves a senior, call Cindy,” according to police officer Kerry Draddy. He’s referring to his colleague, Cynthia Heafy, a certified elder crime practitioner and certified geriatric care manager who has worked with seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia for more than a decade.

Dementia Care Professionals of America (DCPA), a division of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), has recognized Heafy’s dedication by awarding her “Dementia Care Professional of the Year.”

Heafy is the first recipient of this new award for dementia care professionals. DCPA will present the award annually to an individual who has demonstrated professional excellence in care, compassionate performance above and beyond expectations, and a dedicated commitment to individuals with dementia

Heafy has worked for the Coral Springs Police Department for the past 27 years. As the department’s community involvement coordinator, she investigates senior abuse cases, is a first responder in cases involving individuals with dementia, makes arrangements for those who can no longer live alone, and ensures that long-term care facilities are in compliance.

By coincidence, Heafy said, while she was already entrenched in her career, her mother developed dementia and passed away in 2004.

Draddy, Heafy’s co-worker, nominated her for the award because of her goal to “assist seniors in any way that she can,” he said. “If there is any senior-related issue, Cindy is right in the middle of it.”

In addition, Heafy trains police officers and firefighters on how to deal with seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. She also was instrumental in setting up Project Lifesaver, a rapid response system to track wanderers, in the Coral Springs community.