image_pdfimage_print
March 25, 2021 – Following a year of lockdowns and visitation restrictions for long-term care communities due to COVID-19, the Alzheimer’s Association is underlining the need for uniform and enhanced dementia training requirements for long-term care staff in Florida.
 
Michelle Branham, Alzheimer’s Association Florida region vice president of public policy, said: “Sitting on the governor’s Task Force for the Safe and Limited Reopening of Long-Term Care Facilities in Florida this past year, I received hundreds of emails and so many calls from constituents expressing concerns over the quality of care their loved ones with dementia were receiving. Knowing that more than 62 percent of those living in long-term care communities are living with dementia, we recognize that a significant enhancement of dementia training for direct care workers in these facilities is the most direct path to offering a higher level of quality care.” 
 
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and Florida has the second-highest prevalence of the disease in the nation with more than 580,000 diagnosed individuals. 
 
While noting that long-term care staff in Florida are currently required to undergo limited training for dementia care, Branham said many families are concerned that the current training is insufficient to cover the numerous challenges of caring for those with dementia.
 
“Alzheimer’s and dementia often present in symptoms and behaviors that can be difficult to understand and address for those who are inexperienced with dementia caregiving,” she said. “That’s why we are supporting legislation that would not only enhance the current training requirements but also create a uniform standard across the state to ensure that our vulnerable loved ones are receiving the best care for their specific needs.”
 
The legislation in question, House Bill 309/Senate Bill 634, would require one hour of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) training for new staff members at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult day cares, hospices and home health agencies. For all staff who provide direct care for residents in these facilities, the bill would also require at least three hours of dementia care training within the first four months of employment, and may require additional continuing education afterward.
Although the terms of the bill have been met with pushback from the long-term care industry, the Alzheimer’s Association is not alone in its concern over quality of care in such communities. For example, according to a new report released by AARP, 96 percent of Florida voters ages 50-plus agree that quality of care for those living in long-term care communities is either “extremely” or “very important.”
 
Noting that “maximizing quality care and support” is one of the primary goals of the Alzheimer’s Association, Branham said it is important that Florida families know their loved ones are being well cared for.
“It is a painful and difficult decision to place our loved ones’ lives into the care of others,” she said. “The best we can do to ensure they live with dignity and the support they need is to offer them a trained, capable and confident care team. These direct care workers do very important work that directly impacts the lives of others; therefore, they should have the best education available to deal with some very difficult situations.”
 
 
 
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.