Support Dementia Caregivers by Protecting the Alzheimer's Grants for Respite
Over 190,000 Missourians are providing unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementia thus enabling a large portion of the 120,000 people living with dementia in Missouri to live in the community, instead of moving into more costly residential long-term care. In cases where finances are tight, Missouri’s state-funded Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program steps in with limited but critical support. The program funds can help provide occasional adult day care services or a personal care aide in the home a few times a month allowing the family caregiver to take care of their personal medical issues, complete tasks outside of the home, or simply enjoy time off from the demands of caregiving. To serve the growing number of family caregivers, it is critical that legislators maintain funding of $450,000 in the Department of Health and Senior Services to continue respite assistance for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's at home.
Maintain Funding for the Structured Family Caregiver Waiver
The Structured Family Caregiver Program allows up to 300 Missouri HealthNet (Medicaid) beneficiaries, including those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, to live in their choice of home setting with the caregiver of their choice. This increases access to home and community based-services and supports family caregivers of people with dementia by providing reimbursement for daily caregiving tasks. This waiver was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in February of 2020 and the Alzheimer’s Association secured $4.3 million in funding for the program. It is critical that legislators maintain this funding in the Department of Health and Senior Services budget for this program.
Missouri State Plan Overview
In 2009, the Missouri General Assembly established the Missouri Alzheimer's State Plan Task Force through passage of HB 272. Tasked with assessing the challenges posed by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias within the state, the Task Force included representatives from state agencies, health care providers, and community organizations as well as caregivers, state legislators, an individual living with Alzheimer's, and the Lieutenant Governor. After collecting public input regarding community frustrations, concerns, and advice on dealing with this disease, the Task Force presented the Missouri Alzheimer's State Plan, published in November 2010.
Missouri State Advocacy Day
March 07, 2022
Join your fellow Alzheimer’s advocates as we rally state lawmakers for funding and programs that advance and assist those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Advocates will meet virtually to hear from state leaders, understand the Alzheimer’s Association’s leading asks during the legislative session and meet with state legislators to share their story and urge support of these critical priorities. Never advocated before? No problem! We’ll train you and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions before meeting with state officials.
