Alzheimer's Bill Passes State Senate

Down to the Deadline for Measure to Assure Quality Care in Nursing
Homes
BOSTON--(Business Wire)--
Just 10 days before the close of the session, the State Senate
voted unanimously to pass SB425, An Act Relative to Dementia Special
Care Units in Long Term Care Facilities, sponsored by Senator Marc
Pacheco. In short, the bill calls for established standards for any
facility that has an "Alzheimer's Unit." This bill has been three
years in the works, said Alzheimer's Association President/CEO James
Wessler.

"We appreciate the Senate's vote today and we are working with the
House. We are determined, that even with just ten days to go, we are
going to make it happen. People are counting on this," said Wessler.

The people Wessler are referring to are the 120,000 in the
Commonwealth with Alzheimer's, and an estimated 350,000 family members
and friends who are directly affected. Some of their champions in the
State Senate agreed it was time for regulation of this specialized
care, and helped move the bill through. Among the strong advocates
have been Senate President Therese Murray, Chair of Senate Ways and
Means Stephen Pangiotakos, Chair of Elder Affairs Pat Jehlen, and
Chair of Health Care Finance Richard Moore.

Though many facilities currently have special care units, quality
is fragmented, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Of the
roughly 400 nursing homes, about one third now have special units.
Families who go through the process of placing a loved one in a
nursing home have had no guarantees that specialized care will meet
established standards. The Alzheimer's Association has been rallying
citizen advocates to support the bill by contacting their senators and
representatives. The House will now take up this legislation,
sponsored by Peter Koutoujian, who chairs the Public Health Committee.

"We need this for Massachusetts families who are coping with
Alzheimer's. We must have consistent nursing home standards to assure
that people with Alzheimer's will receive quality care," Wessler said.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, some 10 million Baby
Boomers will develop Alzheimer's if no cure is found. Alzheimer's is a
fatal disease that affects about 50% of people over age 85, but can
strike as young as 35.

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest voluntary health
organization devoted to research and programs related to Alzheimer's.
In Massachusetts, the Association has headquarters in Watertown, and
offices in Springfield, Worcester, Lowell and Raynham. They offer free
programs for families and people with the disease, support groups and
a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. They are on the web at
www.alz.org/MA.

Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH Chapter
Betsy Percoski, 617-393-2055
VP of Communications & Public Affairs
617-868-6718 Main
978-996-7517 Cell

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