Advocacy Day will feature remarks from governor
Washington State’s first plan to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will be officially unveiled during the Alzheimer Association’s Advocacy Day at the capitol. "This plan stems from my aging summit in 2013 and legislation that followed, and will provide vital support for the over 100,000 Washingtonians currently living with dementia and the over 300,000 caregivers, mostly unpaid family members, who look after them,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “I have instructed the state agencies to begin implementing the plan, which will raise awareness and education, improve well-being and safety, and begin working towards more accessible and affordable long-term care. It’s an important step to help thousands of Washington families.”
What: Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter Advocacy Day
Where: State Reception Room, Legislative Building, Olympia
When: Friday, February 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Who: Governor Jay Inslee will speak at 10:30 a.m. Advocates, some of whom are affected by Alzheimer’s, will be available for interviews.
Alzheimer’s disease, the 3rd leading cause of death in the state, is the most common type of dementia.
Over the last year, the Alzheimer's Disease Working Group engaged communities to understand the needs of people with dementia. This led to the identification of goals, strategies and recommendations for the first state plan.
“The plan identifies ways that public and private partners can coordinate activities and share resources to create lasting change,” said Bill Moss, DSHS Assistant Secretary and chair of the Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group.
Recommendations include:
- Increase public awareness of available resources;
- Promote early detection and diagnosis;
- Prevent emergencies and hospitalizations;
- Expand family caregiver supports to help individuals stay in their home;
- Postpone or prevent the need for Medicaid or out-of-home placement.
“Improving how we approach and provide care for individuals with dementia is critical,” said Moss. “Early detection and diagnosis creates opportunities that allow individuals to receive the care they need, make plans for the future and have control over decisions affecting their lives.”
View the entire plan. For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association, please visit alzwa.org.