Issues critical during the COVID-19 pandemic

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 for my father, Robert, I’m writing today to urge Senator McConnell 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. I wish my family had been more knowledgeable regarding resources available to us; 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. Rural Kentuckians depend upon services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association continue to offer a 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) and virtual resources.

I humbly ask Senator Mitch McConnell 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.