Advisory panel releases draft of national Alzheimer’s care plan

A presidential advisory panel last week released a draft version of a national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive form of dementia that already affects more than 5 million Americans and is growing as the population ages.

A significant aspect of the draft is provisions calling for better education and support for families who are caring for Alzheimer’s patients at home.

“People with Alzheimer’s disease and their families need supports that go beyond the care provided in formal settings such as doctor’s offices, hospitals or nursing homes,’’ the draft said. “Families and other informal caregivers play a central role here. Supporting people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families and caregivers requires giving them the tools that they need, helping to plan for future needs and ensuring that safety and dignity are maintained.”

The report noted that many people incorrectly believe that the Medicare program covers most of the costs of supportive programs needed to provide care for an Alzheimer’s patient.“Educating people about their potential need for long-term services and supports are the significant advantage of planning ahead for these services encourages timely preparations,’’ the draft said. “Planning ahead can help ensure that individual with Alzheimer’s disease receive care in the setting they prefer and their dignity is maintained.”

Home medical equipment that provides support for Alzheimer’s patients includes incontinence supplies, fall alarms, monitoring systems and medication dispensers.