Ohio
Build a Dementia-Capable Workforce
Require Competency-based Dementia Training for Care Providers
Currently, Ohio does not have any regulations for competency-based dementia training. Relevant regulations require a certain number of training hours for direct service staff, but the training content is not mentioned nor is there specific levels of training required for varying long-term care facilities. Consequently, as a result of the former Speaker's Task Force on Alzheimer's (in the 132nd General Assembly), HB 732 was introduced to establish dementia training requirements in residential care facilities for all levels of service providers. HB 732 included the number of hours required for each staff category (administrative, clinical, custodial, etc.), the required components of such dementia training, and the timeline and delivery by when and how the training must be completed. We urge the 133rd General Assembly to introduce and pass similar legislation so that service providers are better equipped to care for our loved ones.
Increase Access to Home and Community-Based Services
Preserve Ohio's Caregiver Support Program Funding
In existence since 1987 (Hobson-Quilter Bill), the Alzheimer's Respite Line Item (490-414, Department of Aging) provides funding for respite and related support services for caregivers and those with Alzheimer's. State supported services through this line item are separate from PASSPORT and available to those who cannot afford to pay or are not eligible for PASSPORT. The Alzheimer's Respite Line Item was last increased by 25 percent to almost $2.5 million per year. Ohio families have utilized respite and support services made available by the Alzheimer's Association through this state funding in all 88 counties. We advocate to preserve this vital funding in the 133rd General Assembly.
Advance Alzheimer's Policy
Ohio Makes Alzheimer's a State Priority
Ohio is the only state in the nation without a comprehensive state plan for Alzheimer's and other dementias. An estimated 220,000 Ohioans currently live with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. For each person with a diagnosis, there are two to three caregivers who also need support. That's nearly one million Ohioans directly impacted by this disease. Moreover, some estimates predict that these numbers will triple by 2050, making it one of the greatest threats to public health and our state's overburdened health care system. Alzheimer's disease is not just an aging issue. Changes occur in the brain prior to the appearance of symptoms, making awareness, early detection and risk reduction essential at younger ages. Alzheimer's disease is a public health crisis that requires all of Ohio's state and local government infrastructure to be prepared. A state plan would explore the current impact of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in the state and outline what steps the state must take over the next 5-10 years to improve its service and support for people with dementia and their families. The Ohio Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association are working with members of the Ohio General Assembly to introduce legislation calling for the establishment of a Task Force to develop such recommendations.
Ohio State Plan Overview
Ohio has not published a state Alzheimer's plan.
Ohio State Advocacy Day
March 14, 2019
Alzheimer's Association Memory Day is Ohio's statewide advocacy day for all those impacted by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia: family members, caregivers, professionals, and those living with the disease. Interested individuals can register by contacting their local public policy staff at (800) 272-3900.
2020 Advocacy Forum
March 22-24, 2020 alz.org/forum
As an Alzheimer's advocate, you've worked to advance critical public policy, making a difference in the lives of all those impacted by Alzheimer's. Together we've achieved great increases in federal Alzheimer's research funding and secured critical advances in care and support. But we can't take our successes for granted — we need to keep the pressure on.
Join us in Washington for an inspiring three-day event filled with networking, training and education.
Be part of the movement that's making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Sign Up to Learn More About Advocacy Opportunities in Ohio
State Affairs Contact Sarah Sobel | 2163425574 | [email protected]
Elected Officials
Enter your address here to see your elected officials' positions on Alzheimer's and ways you can contact them to support the Alzheimer's community.
Number of People Aged 65 and Older With Alzheimer's by Age
| Year | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85+ | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 33,000 | 95,000 | 92,000 | 220,000 |
| 2025 | 39,000 | 120,000 | 97,000 | 250,000 |
Percentage change from 2019
Medicaid
$2.452
BILLION
Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer's (2019)
18.5%
change in costs from 2019 to 2025
Medicare
$25,101
per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia (in 2018 dollars)
HOSPICE (2016)
#
of people in hospice have a primary diagnosis of dementia
of people in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
Hospitals (2015)
#
of emergency department visits per 1,000 people with dementia
dementia patient hospital readmission rate
Caregiving
Number of Caregivers
Total Hours of Unpaid Care
Total Value of Unpaid Care
Higher Health Costs of Caregivers
Number of Deaths from Alzheimer's Disease (2017)
| 6th | leading cause of death in Ohio |
For more information, view the 2019 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report at alz.org/facts.
U.S. Statistics
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and as many as 14 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated to total $290 billion in 2019, increasing to $1.1 trillion (in today's dollars) by mid-century. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer's or another dementia.