May 24, 2013
State Representative Susan Johnson led the debate in the Connecticut House on a bill to improve the lives of residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. The bill, HB 5979, passed the House and is now before the State Senate for their consideration.
“We need to find better levels of care and support for Alzheimer patients and their family caregivers here in Connecticut. Too many people are suffering due to this disease and we need to find new ways of improving treatment and living conditions and addressing their needs,” said Rep. Johnson, Public Health Committee House Chair. “It is inexcusable for people living with this degenerative disease to receive less than the best care possible.”
The Task Force on Alzheimer’s disease will study the care provided to patients and make recommendations to improve: services to people with early-stage and early-onset of Alzheimer's disease, and their family members and caregivers; coordination between state agencies and private community-based health care providers; case management services for such persons, family members and caregivers , and; transition and placement issues in community-based settings or health care facilities other than nursing homes, whenever possible.