UMass Boston

Policy Foundations in Dementia Care Services

Course #: GERON GR 642, Class #: 4941, Section #: 01

Description

National, state/regional and local governments are paying more attention to the problem of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, frequently designating staff to facilitate dementia planning processes or implement programs. All 50 States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico have developed dementia plans and many states are updating plans that are over 5 years old. Globally, 45 nations have a national plan, making headway on the World Health Organization¿s (WHO) target of all nations having a plan or substantial Alzheimer's disease policy or program within a broader national policy frame such as a non-communicable disease plan. Long-term services and supports providers and health systems are re-defining how they will or will not provide specialized services to persons with dementia. This course offers aging services professionals training in Alzheimer's disease/dementia care issues, information about effective policy approaches, and resources to mobilize activities that make sense at different levels. Students will be provided with the tools to identify a relevant, real-life dementia policy problem, formulate an achievable solution and present their solutions to decision-makers. The session will culminate in a mock presentation to a decisionmaker for critique and assessment for future action.