The annual Alzheimer's Association Public Policy Forum brings together advocates from across the country to meet with legislators who are responsible for deciding how much federal funding Alzheimer research and programs receive.

When: March 7-9, 2010

Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Conference Web site: Public Policy Forum
Contact: Call 202.393.7737 or e-mail forum@alz.org      

Join us in Washington, D.C. to:

• Learn firsthand about our priority advocacy issues

• Meet your members of Congress and educate them about Alzheimer's disease and its potentially devastating effect on our country's economy, business and citizens

• Be a part of a moving candlelight vigil that honors loved ones

What is an advocate?

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 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.

As an advocate, you will:

• Receive regular updates about current legislative and public policy issues.
• Stay on top of policy and legislative issues through alerts and updates.
• Make calls or write to legislators to forward public policy priorities to improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s.

California advocacy

Legislative Update

•   The Alzheimer’s Disease Tax Check off legislation, which was our key priority bill this year was signed into law by the Governor, which extends the program for another 5 years to 2015
• Residential Care Facilities – new requirement, this bill was signed into law by the Governor and will require Assisted Living facilities and Board and Care homes to let families know why a resident is being evicted and must give information about the date of eviction, and where the individual will be sent after leaving the facility, and that they or their family have the right to file a formal complaint to Social Services.

State Plan for California Update

The Alzheimer’s Task force has been appointed, and three key subcommittees have been identified, members appointed and are meeting in November and early December.   The three Task Force subcommittees are: 

• Care in the Home, Community and Residential Settings
• Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, Health Care Services and Scientific Research
• Public Awareness, Professional Training and Consumer Education

 State Budget Update

As implementation of budget cuts go into effect. A few highlights;

In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program: In response to a court case filed on behalf of four current IHSS clients, the court issued an injunction delaying the implementation of the program cuts.  Given that the new program assessement guidelines did not take cognitive impairment into consideration, this delay will certainly enable many individuals who would have otherwise been terminated from the program to continue receiving services. 

As of November 1st, every new caregiver for IHSS is required to receive orientation and have fingerprint and background checks completed. Counties have neither the capability nor the resources to manage this new requirement and so there is concern that thousands of elderly and disabled people will not receive critical services because caregivers are unable to complete this confusing, new enrollment process.

Adult Day Health Care programs are continuing to serve people 5 days a week after the injunction that was upheld by the Federal government halted the cuts to 3 day per week payments

Alzheimer's Day Care Resource Centers’s are scrambling to make up their lost funds from the State, several have closed their doors due to elimination of funding to these critical Adult Day programs that specialize in services to people with Alzheimer’s disease. All are still being held to the licensing standards required for programs which serve people with dementia, even while their funding stream from the state has halted.

What Can You Do Now?

If you or someone you know is unable to receive IHSS services due to the new program requirments, please contact Barbra McLendon at barbra.mclendon@alz.org.

Take the Caregiver Survey! The Alzheimer's Association, in partnership with organizations from across the state, is conducting a survey of caregivers.  The purpose of the survey is to determine the impact on caregivers of the economic recession and the state's budget cuts.We will use the survey results to demonstrate the real world impact of the decisions made by our elected officials. Please take a moment and Click HERE to complete the survey.  All survey answers are confidential. 

Become an E-Advocate

As a member of the Association's E-Advocacy Team, you will join hundreds of individuals across the greater Los Angeles area in advocating for the programs and policies that support individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Additional Links 

• California Public Policy Platform
• Find your elected officials

Online Resources

• State of California
• California Department of Health Care Services
• California Department of Public Health
• California Department of Aging
• California Department of Mental Health and Social Services
• California Secretary of State (Register to Vote Here!)

Federal advocacy

•  Federal update
•  National priorities