Alzheimer’s advocates push for legislation at State Capitol
DALTON, GEORGIA. - More than 140,000 Georgia residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias with the total predicted to increase to 190,000 by 2025. This is why, on February 27, 2018, the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter had more than 250 Alzheimer’s advocates including several from North Georgia. Meetings with legislators, including Representative John Meadows from State House District 5, were to encourage support of several critical issues for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers for 2018 including: -Reauthorizing the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan -Continuing to fight abuse, neglect and exploitation of those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, through fighting benefits trafficking, and
-Funding for Home and Community-based Services—especially to ensure that those still living in the community have access to the supports and services they need to remain in the community in their choice of home as long as possible
-Ensuring access to quality long-term care for people with Alzheimer’s & other dementias.
“We were excited to find out that Senate Bill 444, reauthorizing the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Plan was moved from rules to the floor calendar”, added Kathy Simpson, Advocacy and Public Policy Director, Alzheimer’s Association. “Our Alzheimer’s advocates had an immediate impact yesterday by helping Senate Bill 444 get through the rules committee and to the senate calendar for a vote before cross over day. This bill will ensure that we continue the efforts to make Georgia dementia capable given the fact that the number of Georgians with dementia is rising exponentially”, added Simpson. Alzheimer’s Association® The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org® or call 800-272-3900.