RD263 - 2015-2019 Dementia State Plan: Virginia’s Response to the Needs of Individuals with Dementia and their Caregivers


Executive Summary:
The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission is pleased to present the "2015-2019 Dementia State Plan: Virginia’s Response to the Needs of Individuals with Dementia and their Caregivers."

The Commission has worked diligently to develop this plan through collaboration with researchers and clinicians and through a statewide series of public listening sessions with individuals with dementia, their families and services providers. The sessions provided valuable input. Over 100 Virginians attended the public listening sessions, which were conducted in partnership with the four chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association serving Virginia and Mountain Empire Older Citizens in Big Stone Gap. The Commission received additional comments by telephone, mail, and e-mail.

An estimated 130,000 Virginians have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Planning now is essential. The five goals of the plan provide a comprehensive vision to:

1. Coordinate Quality Dementia Services to Ensure Dementia Capability
2. Use Dementia Related Data to Improve Public Health
3. Increase Awareness and Create Dementia Specific Training
4. Provide Access to Quality Coordinated Care in the Most Integrated Setting
5. Expand Resources for Translational Research and Evidence-Based Practices

The Commission has developed recommendations and strategies to further the Commonwealth’s dementia-capability, which will be overseen by focused workgroups to facilitate realization of the goals. The Commission will evaluate and track progress on these recommendations and looks forward to reporting accomplishments in the future. While achieving this vision will likely require additional resources, progress can also be made through innovation and collaboration. If you would like to share your thoughts and ideas with the Commission, please contact any of the Commission members or the staff at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Sincerely,

Courtney S. Tierney, Chair
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission