Fund and Strengthen the Alzheimer's Caregiver Respite Program
98,000 South Carolinians have Alzheimer's, posing a unique challenge to some 199,000 family caregivers. Fortunately, South Carolina's Alzheimer's Caregiver Respite Program provides families with limited assistance to arrange temporary, paid care for a loved one with dementia. By using in-home care, adult day centers or other services, caregivers are able to take a break and support their mental and physical health. To enhance the program and better support families, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging the State Legislature to move the authority and funding for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Respite Program to the Department on Aging.
Ensure an Updated State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s in South Carolina
Today, numerous South Carolina state agencies administer a variety of programs critical to people living with dementia, including Medicaid, adult protective services, and health professional and facility licensure. However, these efforts are often siloed, with multiple state agencies working separately from one another. With the last plan written in 2009, South Carolina needs an updated Alzheimer’s state plan bringing all of the key state officials and private-sector stakeholders together to outline a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing Alzheimer’s as it affects our community today. The Alzheimer’s Association will urge state lawmakers to approve legislation ensuring the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center will coordinate implementation and regular updates of the Alzheimer’s state plan.
South Carolina State Plan Overview
In June 2008, the South Carolina General Assembly created the Purple Ribbon Task Force through passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 1333 to study the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease within the state, assess resources for those impacted by Alzheimer's, and develop a strategy to meet the needs of South Carolinians. Housed in the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging, the Purple Ribbon Task Force included representatives from state health and aging agencies, law enforcement, research institutions, long-term care agencies as well as health care providers and state legislators. Drawing on the multidisciplinary representation of its members, the Task Force published Conquering the Specter of Alzheimer's Disease in South Carolina in March 2009.
South Carolina State Advocacy Day
March 09, 2022
Use your voice to support people with Alzheimer’s and urge state lawmakers to support people with dementia and their families. Stay tuned for more details about how you can participate in the 2022 South Carolina State Advocacy Day.
