Alzheimer’s is in the news often these days, and the increasing media coverage is long overdue. From treatment and research updates to caregiving profiles and other special interest stories, Alzheimer’s is finally getting national attention.
The legislative passage of NAPA (the National Alzheimer’s Project Act) prompted the creation of a draft plan that would address long-term treatment and prevention of the devastating disease currently affecting over 5 million Americans. Advocates from across the country supported this action plan and have been thrilled to see its progress, most recently in the form of the HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) release of its Draft Framework for the National Plan.
Though members of ALFA (the Assisted Living Federation of America) viewed the draft plan as a good starting point, they were troubled by the omission of strategies and recommendations regarding residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia in assisted living (per this member news update).
Within assisted living, it is estimated that more than one third of residents have memory loss/disorders, be it Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. ALFA members, therefore, are collaborating with leading organizations and stakeholders to address this gap and find ways to support assisted living providers in caring for residents afflicted by memory loss.
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sally s. says,
I’m sure ALF companies are troubled since Memory Care is a huge money maker for them. States need to reassess regulations for these units in ALFs depending on size. Staff to patient ratio isn’t adequate; RN, (trained in Alz/dementia)should direct; LPN on 1st & 2nd shifts; TRAINED staff; admit criteria changed to not accept violent, combative residents thereby putting safety of all residents at risk. A major overhaul will be required if ALFs are to successfully treat this population.
on 09 February 2012 / 10:39 AM
Michelle Seitzer says,
Sally, that is an excellent point. However, there is still a need for quality memory care (with better staff to patient ratios, more training, etc.) even if it provides needed revenue for the ALF companies. It’s a delicate balance, but I believe that the companies who want to succeed and sustain their care communities for the long-term should be committed to providing compassionate and competent care whether or not the regulations require it of them. It’s a complex issue, but as it affects so many families, it is something that must be confronted. Consequently, many states are in the process of reassessing regulations. Hopefully all parties involved (regulatory agencies, providers, advocates and consumers) will seek the best outcome: quality care at any cost.
on 09 February 2012 / 12:20 PM
Craig Fukushima says,
Michelle,
I must agree with ALFA that it is disturbing that assisted living communities were omitted in the strategies and recommendations in NAPA. The reality is that communities are facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s daily and that will only grow as we see a burgeoning senior population. I am pleased to see that ALFA is working with the National Alzheimer’s Association and other groups to draft a revised framework.
If we are to truly have a national plan to address Alzheimer’s, it must be inclusive and it would seem that omitting assisted living communities is glaring error that must be corrected.
on 09 February 2012 / 4:09 PM
Michelle Seitzer says,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Craig. I agree! And if we as current or future consumers of assisted living expect a high standard of competence and quality there, we should also advocate for its inclusion.
on 09 February 2012 / 4:43 PM
Steven East says,
This is an excellent article in that it demonstrates that numbers alone are not enough to move the legislative needle. From the healthcare patient or consumers perspective, they are tasked with learning about both Alzheimer’s and the healthcare system, leaving little time for grassroots or awareness involvement. The benefit of advocacy focused on Alzheimer’s is the persistent questioning of the status quo and the passing on of information that targets both healthcare professionals, as well as patients.
on 09 February 2012 / 8:50 PM
Michelle Seitzer says,
Steven, thanks so much for those kind words. You’re right — numbers alone are not enough, and it’s hard to balance time for advocacy with the time it takes to navigate the healthcare system. Love that last line there — I agree completely!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. See you on Twitter!
on 10 February 2012 / 12:36 PM