Ensuring systems of care consider the needs of people living with dementia will help to avoid crises and improve the delivery of care. State policymakers can take action by:

• Developing a crisis response infrastructure to prevent the improper placement and involuntary discharge of individuals living with dementia.
• Requiring or strengthening ongoing, evidence and competency-based, dementia-specific training for all employees in residential and HCBS settings who interact with people living with dementia.
• Requiring or strengthening residential and HCBS provider licensure requirements for dementia care.
• Establishing and implementing quality measures that protect and enhance the lives of individuals living with dementia regardless of care setting.
• Creating, increasing or expanding Medicaid and state-funded dementia-specific services offered by professional care providers.