Support Implementation and Updates to the State Alzheimer’s Plan
Louisiana published a State Alzheimer’s Plan after discussions with multiple stakeholders to outline how the state can address Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association is calling on state leaders to continue to prioritize regular updates and implementation to the State Alzheimer’s Plan to support people with dementia and their family caregiver. Louisiana must focus on addressing Alzheimer’s as a public health crisis; building a dementia capable workforce; increasing access to home and community-based services; and improving the quality of care in residential settings.
Prioritize Long-Term Care in the Response to COVID-19
The pandemic has exposed gaps in the provision of long-term care (LTC) in Louisiana. As the state continues its response, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging state policymakers to prioritize LTC, focusing on testing; reporting; surge activation; and providing support. This includes providing LTC communities with access to rapid testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) so residents and their families can safely reunite, as well as ensuring that outbreaks are reported and that long-term care is included in the state’s emergency preparedness and response plans.
Louisiana State Plan Overview
In 2008, the Louisiana Legislature created the Louisiana Alzheimer's Disease Task Force through the enactment of of Senate Concurrent Resolution 80 to study the impact of Alzheimer's within the state and make recommendations to meet the growing issues presented by the disease. The Task Force included representatives from state agencies, care associations, long-term care providers, and community organizations as well as caregivers, state legislators, and individuals directly impacted by the disease. The Task Force presented their final report, The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease in Louisiana: A Report by the Alzheimer's Disease Task Force, to the Louisiana Legislature and Governor's Office in October 2009.
Louisiana State Advocacy Day
May 10, 2021
Use your voice to support people with Alzheimer’s and urge state lawmakers to support people with dementia and their families. While more information on Advocacy Day will be coming soon, make sure to sign up to be an advocate and receive information on future state advocacy opportunities! https://alzimpact.org/volunteer
