Take the Online Survey To Help Fight Dementia

Posted Monday, November 24, 2014 by John S. Palmer

The Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is conducting a survey as part of an effort to develop a state plan for dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The online survey seeks opinions from patients, family members, caregivers, social workers, and other professionals on the most critical issues to address in the next five years, and how to best increase awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s across the state. The survey consists of 9 questions and takes less than five minutes to complete.

The results of the survey will be used by a working group created earlier this year to help develop a comprehensive state plan for dealing with the effects of dementia-related diseases among the state’s population.

The group is comprised of state officials, health policy advocates, and healthcare providers involved in the treatment and care of dementia patients. DSHS must submit a report of the group’s findings and recommendations, including any draft legislation necessary to implement the recommendations, to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2016. The group must make findings and recommendations on a number of issues, including:

The state’s role in long-term care, family caregiver support, and assistance to persons with early-stage and early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease;
Residential options for dementia patients, care standards for treatment facilities, and training requirements for long-term care staff;
The availability of home and community-based resources including respite care;
The adequacy and appropriateness of using geriatric psychiatric units to treat behavior disorders associated with dementia;
State support of Alzheimer’s research through the Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Washington;
How to promote early detection and diagnosis; and
Strategies to address identified gaps in services.

Around 110,000 Washington residents suffer from dementia; that number is expected to grow to 150,000 by 2025.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (425) 455-5513, toll free at (877) 455-5513, or info@palmerlegal.com.