Aging Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Aging Committee

REASONS FOR BILL:

To study funding available to elderly persons and persons with Alzheimer's disease for care at home or in the community.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Connecticut Commission on Aging

“This bill would mandate a study to determine funding available to elderly persons and persons with Alzheimer's disease for care at home or in the community. The CoA is fully supportive of increased funding for home and community based supports for older adults, including those with Alzheimer's disease, ~ actually for people of all ages. The most efficient and fair long-term care system is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals across the lifespan.

…Regarding conducting an actual study, with respect, we assert that much of the information that would be featured in this study has already been published in various plans and research reports produced by the Department of Social Services, consultants, the CoA…”

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Mag Morelli, President, LeadingAge Connecticut

“LeadingAge Connecticut believes in the principle of ensuring choice for our seniors regardless of where they fall on the continuum of care. And we believe that a strong and balanced continuum of care that provides the right care, in the right place, at the right time will lead to a more efficient and effective care delivery system. It is for these reasons that we support efforts like this to ensure adequate funding sources for community based long term care services.”

Laurie Julian, Director of Public Policy, Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter

“We thank the committee for recognizing the Alzheimer's crisis. In Connecticut, there are over 70,000 citizens with Alzheimer's or other related dementia. This is projected to escalate rapidly in coming years as the baby boomer generation ages.

…Community based supports provide caregivers with an option to keep individuals with Alzheimer's at home and delay transition to more expensive alternatives, such as assisted living or nursing home care. Alzheimer patients are most at risk of nursing home transition.”

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

None expressed.