State taking right steps with memory care

On behalf of the 410,000 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s and their families, I appreciated Gov. Kathy Hochul’s comments regarding the need to improve dementia care during her State of the State address.

Of note, Hochul called to establish clear certification criteria for “memory care,” a type of long-term care focused on helping residents with memory issues or dementia. Under her proposal, facilities will be required to include specific training requirements for staff and administrators as well as have programs in place that seek to reduce cognitive decline and emphasize quality care for the residents. Since its inception, the Alzheimer’s Association has been a leader in outlining principles and practices of quality care for individuals living with dementia.

I am grateful that Hochul’s budget plan includes full funding for the Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative and Alzheimer’s Public Health Funding. The Alzheimer’s Association looks forward to working with her administration to improve the lives of all New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as their caregivers.

Elizabeth Smith-Boivin

Albany Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New

York Chapter