Support Implementation and Updates to the State Alzheimer’s Plan
Maine 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. Maine 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 Maine. 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.
Maine State Plan Overview
In June 2011, Maine's legislature commissioned a state task force with the enactment of LD 859, calling for a study of the impact of Alzheimer's disease and the creation of a guide to help the state meet the needs of individuals and families impacted by this disease. The task force included representatives from elder law, community organizations, state agencies, academia, and law enforcement as well as caregivers, individuals living with the disease, state legislators, and health care providers. After soliciting public feedback, the task force published the State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Maine in June 2012.
Maine State Advocacy Day
Use your voice to support people with Alzheimer’s and urge state lawmakers to support people with dementia and their families. Sign up to be an advocate and receive information on future state advocacy opportunities.
