COVID-19 pandemic presents specific challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic presents specific challenges for more than 5
million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and the nonprofits
serving these vulnerable populations. As a former caregiver, I’m writing today
to urge Representative,Jesus Garcia to include the critical needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers in the next legislative stimulus package.

Two critical issues include: The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to
Prevent Elder Abuse Act, which would require the DOJ to develop materials
covering best practices to assist professionals who support victims of abuse
living with dementia. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would increase the
use of the care planning benefit in order to help more families by educating
clinicians on care planning services available through Medicare.

Finally, during this crisis nonprofits are providing tremendous
support to the communities they serve, despite facing economic hardships.
Congress must establish an exclusive fund to support nonprofits with between
500 to 10,000 employees, including loan forgiveness to ensure charities like
the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to effectively serve the communities
that depend on them.

I humbly ask my Representative Garcia to make sure these three
bipartisan measures are included in the next COVID-19 response legislation to
help vulnerable populations living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Susana Blanco

Chicago, Illinois 60618.