For Immediate Release
Sen. Hwang Pushes for Expanded Access to Alzheimer’s Disease Respite Care Program
Sen. Tony Hwang joined with advocates for seniors on Feb. 23 to testify before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Aging Committee in support of several bills aimed at providing support to seniors and their caregivers, including legislation to expand access to the Alzheimer’s disease respite care program.
“This is forward-thinking, common sense public policy,” Sen. Hwang said. “We want to ensure choice for those who are seeking long term services and supports. We want to strengthen our state’s continuum of care in order to create a more efficient and effective care delivery system. Increasing funding for the respite program will expand access to more individuals and their families.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter, there are approximately 80,000 people in Connecticut living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, and that number will rise to 91,000 people by 2025. Connecticut is the 6th oldest state in the nation and age remains the biggest risk factor to developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
“Many seniors with dementia live in their own homes for many years,” Sen. Hwang said. “The majority of their caregiving is provided by a spouse, relative, or close friend. These unpaid caregivers provide countless hours of unpaid long-term care. They truly are unsung heroes. This legislation sends a message to them that we appreciate them and want to provide them with needed respite. These caregivers save our Medicaid program millions of dollars every year, so passage of this bill represents sounds fiscal policy as well as a thoughtful solution to expand access to care for our most vulnerable residents.”
Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter Director of Public Policy Christy Kovel and Sen. Tony Hwang on Feb. 23 testified before the legislature’s Aging Committee in support of several bills aimed at providing support to seniors and their caregivers, including legislation to expand access to the Alzheimer’s disease respite care program. On the web: www.alz.org/ct and www.SenatorHwang.com .
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