Health

HEALTH • Fall 2018 23 New Alzheimer's Law Puts State at Forefront of Dementia Legislation A lzheimer's disease is swiftly becoming a public health crisis in the United States. Every 65 seconds, someone develops the disease. Currently, 5.7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's, and that number is expected to more than double to 14 million by 2050. While the sheer numbers of individuals affected is staggering, so too is the nationwide cost of their care - $277 billion this year alone. That amount is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion annually by 2050. These costs will have a significant effect on society and families alike. In Massachusetts, the rate of Alzheimer's disease or related demen- tias is higher than the national aver- age. With more than 130,000 people affected by the disease, Massachusetts ranks 13th in the U.S. for the number of adults age 65 and older with Alzheimer's. In Central Massachusetts, 16 percent of residents over 65 have a diagnosis of dementia. The towns of Gardner, Webster and Templeton each have rates over 20 percent. At the current rate, our state will see a 15-percent increase in the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's over the next decade. Action is needed. And once again, the commonwealth is uniquely posi- tioned to lead by example. With the leadership of the Alzheimer's Association, and under the stewardship of Rep. Danielle Gregoire and Senator Barbara L'Italien, the Massachusetts Legislature unani- mously passed Alzheimer's legislation that ensures the state is appropriately prepared for this enormous healthcare and caregiving crisis. Governor Charlie Baker signed "The Mass Alzheimer's and Dementia Act" into law on Aug. 9, the first legislation in the U.S. that will result in the develop- ment of a comprehensive strategic plan, the necessary preparation of medical professionals and hospitals, BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION By Jay V. Patel About the Alzheimer's Law In August, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new law that aims to strengthen care for people with Alzheimer's and other cases of de- mentia. According to the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer's was the leading cause of death of 1,708 Massachusetts residents in 2016, a rate that is among the lowest in the country. A look at what the Alzheimer's law does: • Requires hospitals that serve an adult population to have an operational plan in place for recognizing and managing indi- viduals with dementia within three years of the laws' enactment. • Requires content about Alzheimer's and related dementias be incorporated into physicians, physician's assistants, registered nurses and practical nurses continuing medical education programs that are required for the granting or renewal of licensure. • Allows doctors to share an Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment plan to a family member or legal personal representative within the existing framework of federal and state privacy laws. • Requires elder protective services caseworkers to be trained on Alzheimer's disease. • Creates an advisory council and an integrated state plan to effectively address Alzheimer's disease. and appropriate notification to family members when a loved one is diag- nosed with Alzheimer's. For the past 20 years, Massachusetts has been on the forefront of healthcare innovation and of recognizing the role of family caregivers in our healthcare system. As an organization committed to supporting family caregivers bat- tling this disease, Seniorlink and our subsidiary, Caregiver Homes, can attest to the significance of this legisla- tive move. The Mass Alzheimer's and Dementia Act and landmark law will join the ranks of other important developments that recognize family caregivers, including the national 2017 CARE Act, which requires hospitals to train family caregivers on medical tasks that must be performed at home prior to discharge. This groundbreaking legislation will change lives and is an important first step to preparing the state for this impending healthcare crisis. Jay V. Patel is the clinical transforma- tion officer at Seniorlink Inc. of Auburn. Holden Hearing Aid Center, Inc. 695 Main Street, Holden MA 01520 Phone: (508) 829-5566 www.HoldenHearingAid.com Let our Center help you HEAR better! Matthew Moreno, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Swim Plugs We offer comprehensive hearing care services including complete hearing evaluations, hearing loss rehabilitation, education and counseling. Amplified Phones Hearing Aids Batteries & Accessories Assisted Listening Devices Hearing Evaluations Wax Removal Hearing Protection Musician's Ear Plugs H

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