Become An Alzheimer’s Advocate

You can make a difference by becoming an Alzheimer’s advocate and contacting your representative, senator and governor

Alzheimer advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. They do this by working to improve dementia care and services; improve access to community-based care; improve quality care in residential settings; and expand funding for research and public programs serving people with dementia.

By joining others on Alzheimer’s Advocacy Action Day on January 16, you will learn more about issues and answers. You will hear stories of those who have Alzheimer’s disease in their lives. You will unite with other families and people who care about the quality of life for people struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Finally you will carry action messages to our legislators

As an Alzheimer’s advocate:

You will receive regular updates about current legislative and public policy issues. You will learn about Nursing Home Special Regulations.

Standards for Dementia Special Care Units (SCUs) in nursing homes are necessary. There are currently many SCUs in operation without regulation and with your support, residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will receive appropriate care and support in nursing homes.

You will help promote a Public Health Campaign to ensure proper diagnosis, education on positive life style choices for reduced risk of cognitive impairment, and the disproportionate effect of Alzheimer’s on African Americans and Latinos.

You are invited to make calls or write to legislators to forward public policy priorities to improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.

So please join us and help us as much as you can. If everyone does just a little bit to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, it will have a huge impact.

Remember the population is aging. Sooner or later you will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.

Author, Susan Berg has been a healthcare professional and educator for over 20 years. She is the, activity director, of many years, at Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers. While there, she has gained much dementia care and activity experience and knowledge. She has had special training in dementia care and dementia activities through the Alzheimer’s Association and other educational forums. Berg is the author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals. You may visit her website at http://www.alzheimersideas.com this special website page http://www.alzheimersideas.com/page5.html or her blog at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/dementiacare