There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 120,000 here in Tennessee. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, including 439,000 here Tennessee. I am one of those Americans.
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, care planning is essential to learning about medical and non-medical treatments, clinical trials, and support services available in their community. Accessing these services results in a higher quality of life.
As someone who has cared for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, I understand the enormous burden dementia has on Tennessee’s families and the economy. My sister Joanne was diagnosed at the young age of just 51. She passed just 2 years ago at the age just 59. She went from a shining vibrant woman who had served our country, to someone who couldn’t even dress or feed herself.
Thankfully as of January 2017, Medicare covers critical care planning services. However, not enough patients and providers are aware of this resource. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would help educate clinicians on Alzheimer’s and dementia care planning services through Medicare.
That’s why I’m asking Senator Alexander, Senator Blackburn and Congressman Green to cosponsor the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (S. 880/H.R. 1873).
Please join me in asking our Senators and Congressman Green to support the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act.
To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit alzimpact.org.