Concern:     2010   Need for an Idaho Alzheimer’s Disease Strategic Plan and Task Force

Idaho needs an Alzheimer’s disease strategic plan to reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia on its citizens, caregivers and government. An Idaho comprehensive plan is needed to address the impending increase of Alzheimer’s disease in our state, the staggering costs of dementia care, at home care options, the quality of dementia care available, and the need for evidence-based best practice approaches for persons living and dying with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Idaho’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Collaborative efforts between all stakeholders can provide a practical and effective plan for the citizens and government of the State of Idaho.

What do California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, Oklahoma, Colorado, South Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, Maine, Vermont, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Texas, and Pennsylvania have in common?  These states are creating dementia care task forces, developing strategic plans and implementing dementia care strategies to provide support for their citizens living and dying with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and those who care for them.  Idaho is included in this list of states introducing legislation to create an The Task Force legislation will be introduced in 2010. Forward thinking governors, legislators, citizens, health care providers, regulators, and leaders of these states, clearly care and intend to be prepared for the critical and documented increase of Alzheimer’s disease and the resulting significant personal and financial impact on their states’ citizens and government.

An Idaho Dementia Care Strategic Plan Includes an assessment of the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias on the citizens of Idaho.  Impact assessment data would 1) identify the needs of persons living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, their families and those who care for them, 2) examine existing industries, services, and resources addressing these needs, 3) assess current availability and quality of dementia specific care in Idaho, and 4) develop strategies to mobilize an Idaho state response to this national public health crisis. 

Benefits of a State Strategic Plan are Significant Studies indicate a key realized benefit to states that plan and fund strategically for dementia care is that the same measures that improve the quality of life and support of persons living with dementia also reduce the cost of state funded dementia care and lead to cost savings for the state in the long run.  States noted additional benefits from planning for their dementia care.  These benefits include: 1) reducing the staggering costs of dementia to the state, 2) providing proven effective ways to enhance the quality of life of persons living with dementia, 3) supporting caregivers, 4) providing evidence-based, best practice dementia care strategies that can be adopted into dementia care policies state wide, and 5) preventing unnecessary and costly complications and disability.

Critical Direction for developing a state dementia care strategic plan comes directly from citizens, care providers and key stakeholders who have witnessed first hand the impact of Alzheimer’s and related dementia in their lives.  Citizen surveys provide those directly affected by dementia the opportunity to share their personal stories and offer suggestions about how to improve the services, care and resources in their state.  Citizens are key in shaping the future course and quality of dementia care in their state.  The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa chapter helped create and implement the Iowa Citizen Survey and Plan, link provided:  www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/living/AlzheimersDiseaseTaskForce.html

Idaho Key Stakeholders include: Idaho citizen caregivers, INW Alzheimer’s Association, National Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, NASW-ID Chapter, Idaho Commission on Aging, Elder Law Attorneys, Idaho Area Agency on Aging, Idaho End of Life Coalition, Idaho Culture Change Network, church and community groups, Idaho State Universities, Long Term Care Providers, Idaho Medical Association, Consortium of Idahoans with Disabilities, Adult Day Programs, and many more.

Add Idaho to the List of Forward Thinking States that care deeply about their citizens living and dying with Alzheimer’s and related dementias by supporting the passage of the Idaho Dementia Care Strategic Plan Task Force 2010 Concurrent Resolution.  Help support a Strategic Plan to address the significant impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Idahoans.

How Can You Help?
1) Contact your legislators to support Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan  www.legislature.idaho.gov/howtocontactlegislators.htm
2) Contact Skeeter Lynch, LMSW I Citizen Advocate   stratpath@moscow.ocm         www.personcenteredcareadvocate.org
3) Contact  Alzheimer’s Association Capital City Advocacy Task Force, Mike Splaine Public Policy Director; mike.splaine@alz.org
4) Share the Alzheimer’s Strategic Plan Issue with your family, friends, church and community.

Help Give Voice to the Needs of Idahoans Living and Dying with Dementia and Those Who Care for Them.