In 2012, the Idaho Legislature established the Idaho Alzheimer’s Planning Group through passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 112. Tasked with determining how the state could best assist individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, the Planning Group included representatives from state agencies, advocacy agencies, academia, and community organizations as well as researchers, caregivers, individuals affected by Alzheimer's, and the governor. After conducting a year-long state assessment and soliciting input from community stakeholders and the public-at-large, A State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Addressing the Needs of Idahoans with ADRD, Their Caregivers, and Family Members was released. The Idaho legislature endorsed the statewide plan with the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 34 in 2013. In 2021, a statewide ADRD Alliance was formed to revise the state Alzheimer’s plan. In March 2023 following a 13 month development period, the 2023-2028 ADRD Strategic Plan for Idaho was published. The updated plan identifies gaps between the needs of people living with dementia and services available and details short and long-term goals for the next five years. To ensure the next state Alzheimer’s plan reflects best practices and the current needs of residents in the state, SB 1096 (Chapter 151 of 2023) was enacted, requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to convene the ADRD Alliance every five years to update the state Alzheimer’s plan.

Empower Idaho Professionals with Dementia Training

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia are at a heightened risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and often require assistance during critical moments. State professionals tasked with ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults play a vital role in these interventions. However, without specialized knowledge of dementia-related behaviors, effective communication and assessment can be challenging. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging state policymakers to ensure that professionals responsible for protecting vulnerable adults receive the necessary training to identify the signs of dementia and provide person-centered support.