Advancing Dementia Care: The Alzheimer's Association's Call for Federal Action

Allan Levine
Jan 30, 2024 10:00:15 AM

Staggering stats from the recent US Senate Special Committee on Aging by the Alzheimer’s Association.  "An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2023. Total payments for all individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are estimated at $345 billion (not including unpaid caregiving) in 2023. Medicare and Medicaid are expected to cover $222 billion or 64 percent of the total health care and long-term care payments for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, which are projected to increase to more than $1.1 trillion by 2050. These mounting costs threaten to bankrupt families, businesses, and our health care system. Unfortunately, our work is only growing more urgent."

Recent discussions in Mcknight's, highlighted several key points regarding the enhancement of memory care in assisted living facilities:

  1. Advocacy for Federal Involvement: The Alzheimer's Association has requested the Senate Aging Committee's intervention in bolstering memory care services in assisted living facilities.

  2. Addressing the Rise in Dementia Cases: The Association has underscored the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementia forms in the U.S., stressing the necessity for a well-trained direct care workforce.

  3. Enhancement of Training and Workforce: There's an emphasis on elevating dementia training standards and accessibility, ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared to address the unique needs of residents in assisted living communities.

  4. State-Level Support for Assisted Living: The Association is advocating for measures to assist states in enhancing and implementing dementia training for assisted living facility staff.

  5. Tackling Assisted Living Industry Challenges: This push for federal involvement is a response to various issues in the assisted living sector, such as safety, staffing difficulties, and the need for clear pricing strategies.

  6. Ongoing Committee Investigations: The Senate Aging Committee is actively conducting inquiries and awaiting feedback from senior living operators on matters concerning safety, staffing, and pricing.

  7. Influencing Future Policy: The recommendations from the Alzheimer's Association could play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at improving dementia care and training in assisted living environments.

Nevvon is actively participating in this important initiative through:

  • Comprehensive Dementia Training Programs: Aligned with the Alzheimer's Association's recommendations, Nevvon provides in-depth dementia training, focusing on understanding and managing mild cognitive impairment and effective dementia care strategies.

  • Accessible and Efficient Training Solutions: Nevvon offers easy-to-access, self-service training options for employees, ranging from initial onboarding to ongoing skill development, simplifying the implementation of training programs in assisted living facilities.

  • Adherence to Industry Standards: Nevvon's training programs are crafted in line with current industry standards and best practices, ensuring caregivers are well-equipped to deliver superior dementia care and approved by the Alzheimer's Association.

  • Support for Federal and State Efforts: Echoing the Alzheimer's Association's calls, Nevvon's training programs support federal and state initiatives to improve dementia training for direct care workers, contributing to the enhancement of dementia care in assisted living and home care settings.

Nevvon's commitment focuses on improving care quality for those with dementia and fostering a skilled, competent dementia care workforce.

 

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