Illinois publishes an updated Alzheimer’s state plan every three years pursuant to the Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Act (410 ILCS 405). The Act charged the Illinois Department of Public Health to create an Advisory Committee of Alzheimer’s disease researchers, professional caregivers, members of advocacy organizations, people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. In 2012, the Act was amended to drive the next iteration of the state plan toward dementia-capability. The state Alzheimer’s plan was updated in September 2020 and most recently in January 2023. In the newest state plan, recommendations are detailed for new policies to address the statewide response to Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

Improve the Use of Advance Directives Across Health Care Settings

Advance directives allow individuals to express how they want to live, be treated, and how medical decisions are made on their behalf. Illinois law allows residents to make advance directives; however, providers are unable to access advance directive documents if the individual or appointed person is unable to share them. Due to the impact of dementia on a person’s ability to make decisions, the Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to establish a state repository to allow individuals living with dementia, family members and caregivers, and providers to securely access vital advance directive documents.

Ensure Appropriate Nursing Home Staffing Ratios 

Appropriate staffing is a key driver of quality care in residential long-term care settings. While Illinois requires a basic staffing ratio to ensure safety of residents and staff, facilities are often not held accountable for violating staffing requirements. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state lawmakers to support legislation that will ensure staffing ratios for nursing homes are appropriately enforced to support both staff and residents living with dementia.