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Priority
Issues |
- The Alzheimer's Association recommends that the District of Columbia enact legislation and appropriate funds to improve access to high quality care for Washingtonians with dementia by:
- enhancing the time direct care staff spend assisting people with dementia
- tightening the oversight of institutions caring for people with dementia
- encouraging expansion of specialized dementia-suitable home and community-based care programs in underserved communities
The Alzheimer's Association recommends that the District of Columbia increase access to dementia-suitable adult daycare, respite care and home care services.
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Endorsements
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| The Alzheimer's Association endorses the following legislation before the District of Columbia City Council:
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Other Issues
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| The Alzheimer's Association is monitoring the following legislation before the District of Columbia City Council:
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Washingtonians Are Talking About Dementia and Caregiving |
"One in ten families in the District lives with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder and one in three Washingtonians know somebody affected. About 9,000 Washingtonians have dementia; absent a cure, 30,000 Washingtonians will have dementia two generations from today. One in ten Washingtonians over age 65, and nearly one of two Washingtonians over age 85, has dementia."
"Dementia differs from most other causes of adult vulnerability by degenerating its victims' physical, psychological and intellectual well-being progressively, irreversibly and fatally. People with dementia become more vulnerable in every way as the disease literally erodes the brain's memory and judgment functions. Ultimately, these Virginians become defenseless against neglect, abuse and exploitation. Families, professional care providers and the Commonwealth must assume increased responsibility for protection and promotion of the health and welfare of Virginia's most vulnerable adults."
"In order to strengthen our families, the District needs services that support family caregivers… The demands of caregiving can be extremely stressful, particularly when the family is dealing with Alzheimer's disease… Because of the nature of the disease, many families provide care 24 hours a day… Once the family caregiver 'burns out' from the stress of providing care, the more costly alternative of institutionalization becomes the family's only option."
"People with dementia, their families and the District face staggering and avoidable social, financial and health costs due to inadequate care. Inadequate care is a choice. The care facilities can hire enough staff, provide appropriate training, and pay a competitive wage. Or not. The District can create genuine access to services and mandate meaningful standards. Or not. Change can be voluntary; change can be mandated; either way, change is necessary."
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© 1997 - 2005 Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area. All rights reserved.
703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900
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