The Department of Health and Human Services has made updates to its National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease including its take on the vulnerability of older Americans who live in care facilities.
Due to the particular vulnerability of people with Alzheimer’s disease who live in care facilities, HHS stated, the department will increase its attention to this population via the studies currently available. This will include an “in-depth analysis” that has implications for those providing care in assisted living communities.
…”This will include an in-depth analysis of the National Survey of Residential Care Facilities to better understand the level of cognitive impairment among residents and the types of services provided in assisted living facilities,” HHS writes. “The results of these studies will be used to identify areas that the National Plan should address in future years.”
While reports of elder financial abuse are currently fielded by state Adult Protective Services, not all of these programs cover residents of long-term care communities, HHS says. State funding allows states to survey Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities, while state licensing agencies may investigate other types of care communities, including assisted living.
The changes to the plan come as part of an effort to better protect those who are receiving long term care.
“Congress must see to it that the necessary resources are committed to accelerate and prioritize the government’s efforts on Alzheimer’s,” said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association and member of the Advisory Council to the Plan. “Without these new resources, efforts in Alzheimer’s research, care and support will continue to be hampered to the determent of millions of families and the economic well-being of the nation.”
In the early iterations of the plan, assisted living was not included as a care setting, which prompted a campaign by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) to introduce it to the plan. ALFA submitted comments last year to HHS toward the initiative.
Written by Elizabeth Ecker
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Along these lines; I hope you will allow me to post that Dementia Therapy Specialists is honored to announce that the International Dementia Conference 2013 is coming to Phoenix, AZ this year.
This event is both sponsored and hosted by Dementia Therapy Specialists US and Dementia Doctor UK. The all inclusive conference is targeted for everyone and anyone working on the front line of dementia care, including ED's, Administrators, doctors and nurses of all disciplines, Home Managers, Care Workers, Social Workers, Researchers, educators and of course people living with dementia.
This conference will be held November 5th and 6th, 2013 at Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 East Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ. Over the two days, delegates will have the opportunity to attend 8 interactive workshops and listen to some cutting edge speakers from the USA and UK. These include Dr. Dan Nightingale, a leading dementia doctor from the UK now living in AZ, Dr Simon Duff and Dr Roger Bullock, Tony Duke and Dr. Gary Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer; Action on Elderly Abuse, also from the UK, Kathy Balland, Marea Boylan and Linda Yee from the USA.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Ole Olson, a gentleman living with dementia, and his wife Ellie who supports him through his journey.
Controversial topics such as the use of hypnotherapy in dementia and the use of doll therapy and sexual relationships in a care facility will make up some of the workshops and presentations. Additionally Montessori Therapy, Activities for the Mind, Seated Exercises for People Living with Dementia, and many other topics will be covered. One of the highlights is the opening keynote by Ole and Ellie Olson. Ole is living with dementia and they will take us through their very own unique and moving journey through dementia. They will also facilitate a workshop.
To see the full conference program, go to <a href="http://www.DementiaTherapySpecialists.com” target=”_blank”>www.DementiaTherapySpecialists.com and click on the International Dementia Conference page.
Please contact me should you have interest in registering as a Participant or one of our 30 Exhibitors. We will also be offering a limited number of Sponsorships, please contact me for detail. It is respectfully suggested that you reserve your space asap as we are receiving both National and International interest in our first International Dementia Conference – providing cutting edge information & training for dementia therapy as well as 14 Hours of CEU credits.
Thank you and please share this information with anyone you feel appropriate. Thank you.
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