Washington State Alzheimer’s Plan Senior Lobby October 28, 2015

Washington’s Increasing Dementia Population

Preparing Washington State SSB 6124 Authorizes Washington State’s Alzheimer’s Plan Examines the state’s population and capacity to meet the future needs Policies and responses to: o promote early detection and diagnosis; o provide coordinated services and supports to individuals and families with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia; and o address identified gaps in services.

Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group Membership Consumers The Office of the Governor Legislators Advocacy organizations Representatives of long-term care services; health care; and research State agency leaders o Department of Social and Health Services o Department of Health o Health Care Authority o Veterans Administration

Public Response Identified and Prioritized Needs Home care supports Family caregiver education and support Financial help Availability of residential care Prevention research Quality health care quality Provider training Safety and protections against abuse and neglect

Possible and Emerging Opportunities Healthy Aging and Brain Health Healthy lifestyle Managing chronic conditions Early Detection and Quality Care Active disease management Future planning Early and ongoing education and support Home and Community Living Family caregiver supports Long-term services and supports

Promoting the Needs and Opportunities Seven Goals Increase public awareness, engagement, and education Prepare communities for significant growth of Alzheimer's disease Ensure individual well-being and safety Ensure access to supports for family caregivers Ensure early identification to provide dementia-capable, evidence-based health care Ensure dementia-capable long-term services and supports Promote innovative and research related to services and supports

Transforming our Culture about Dementia Current Beliefs: “there’s no reason to get a diagnoses” “nothing can be done” Stigma and fear Isolation Lack of disease knowledge Lack of planning for future Future There are benefits to a diagnosis Earlier diagnosis is key Acceptance, hope, empowerment Connection with others Increased understanding of needs and services Legal, financial and advance care planning

Washington State Alzheimer’s Plan Strategies and Recommendations Each goal identifies several high-level strategies Each strategy contains specific recommendations with time frames Recommendations include suggested timeframes for action: o Short-term Goals (within Two years) o Mid-term Goals (Three – Four year) o Longer-term Goals (Five or more years)

Washington State Alzheimer’s Plan A community plan, with a strategic framework, that requires the engagement and support of public and private partners.

A Call to Action Establish a next generation Alzheimer’s Advisory Group to provide guidance and oversight of the state plan Collectively pursue the goals, strategies, and recommendations Develop a sustainable commitment from a network of public and private partners Integrate activities into broader initiatives to address improved health and quality of life Create opportunities to improve our response to Alzheimer’s Disease

Next Steps November 9, 2015 Office of Financial Management January 1, 2016 Legislature Early 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Action Advisory Group meeting Ongoing Coordination with Joint Legislative Executive Committee

More Information Lynne Korte, Program Manager Aging and Long-Term Support Administration or Washington State Alzheimer's Plan or Volunteer, Advocate, Champion or Partner with: Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter