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Alzheimer's Disease is a devastating situation for those suffering with it, as well as their caregivers. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease, 29,000 of them here in Hawaii, with 65,000 unpaid family caregivers. Care planning is essential to learning about medical and nonmedical treatments, clinical trials and support services available in our communities.
Living, working and raising my family on Maui, I watched my father from a distance as he descended into the hell that was his dementia. He was cared for at home in Pennsylvania by his wife for the 10-15 years of this steady and unstoppable decline.
In January of 2017, Medicare began covering critical care planning services, but unfortunately, less than 1 percent of patients with Alzheimer's have received this benefit. This is why I'm asking Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to co-sponsor the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act (S. 880/H.R. 1873). The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will give clinicians the knowledge and tools to better help their patients and families living with dementia.
I invite Maui News readers to contact Rep. Gabbard at (808) 541-1986 and ask her to co-sponsor the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, H.R. 1873.
Nancy Rose
Makawao