Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health
Senate Aging Committee Forum to Hear Ideas for
Improving Care for Alzheimer’s Patients
Seven panelists led by Kathy Greenlee, Asst. Sec.
for Aging, will present successful programs
Dec. 6, 2010 - On Wednesday the U.S. Senate Special
Committee on Aging will host a forum that will emphasize the often
overlooked aspect of quality of care for those living with Alzheimer's
disease and other forms of dementia. Much of the focus for Alzheimer’s
advocates has been on finding a cure for this disease that devastates so
many senior citizens.
Fortunately, says the committee’s meeting
announcement, well-tested, replicable methods of care are being
developed and practiced around the country today that can improve the
quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their
families.
"Until There's A Cure: How to Help Alzheimer's
Patients and Families NOW," will be chaired by Chairman Herb Kohl (D-WI)
in Room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. It will begin at 1
p.m.
Panelists and their topics will include the
following:
● Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging,
U.S. Administration on Aging
Ms. Greenlee will highlight AoA's current efforts
to implement evidence based programs of services and training in
Alzheimer's care.
●
Patricia A. Grady, PhD, RN, FAAN, Director, National Institute of
Nursing Research
Dr. Grady will describe the role of research and
training to improve the quality of care for people with Alzheimer's
disease, and to provide adequate support for their caregivers.
● Loren Shook, President and CEO of Silverado
Senior Living and Vice Chair of the Assisted Living Federation of
America.
Mr. Shook will describe the Silverado model for
home and community care to improve the quality of life for people with
Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
● Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, Thomas Jefferson
University, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gitlin will describe home-based interventions
to support the functioning and well-being of people with Alzheimer's
disease, and their caregivers.
● Christine Kovach, PhD, RN, FAAN, University of
Wisconsin/Milwaukee.
Dr. Kovach will describe training approaches to
help frontline nursing staff in long-term care facilities better manage
pain, infection and agitation among individuals with Alzheimer's
disease.
● Patricia L. McGinnis, Executive Director, The
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
Ms. McGinnis will describe their campaign to
encourage the responsible administration of antipsychotics in nursing
homes and other long-term care facilities, and to empower persons with
Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers to ensure safe and effective
care.
Following these presentations a discussion will be
led by -
● Robert Egge, Vice President, Public Policy and
Advocacy of the Alzheimer's Association, and
● Eric J. Hall, President and CEO of the
Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
A webcast of the forum will be posted on the
Committee website following the event -
http://www.aging.senate.gov.
