SPRINGFIELD – Care will be more tailored to the needs of patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia thanks to a new initiative sponsored by Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) in conjunction with the Alzheimer's association.                                                

“Currently, caregivers are not required to be trained on how to care for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s,” Fine said. “This needs to change so that people living with these conditions will have access to best care possible to address their specific needs.”

Over 230,000 people in Illinois are living with Alzheimer’s. Many take part in the Community Care Program, which allows seniors with or without these conditions to receive in-home and community-based service from their own homes. Employees that provide this service are currently required to complete 12 to 24 hours of training, but training specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s patients is optional.

Fine’s measure would require employees and contractors with the Department of Aging Service who provide direct service to individuals in the Community Care program to complete at least two hours of training on Alzheimer’s and dementia prior to the start of their employment. Fine believes that condition-specific training is essential to ensuring adults living with these conditions are able to be cared for and better understood.    

“Many types of care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia are simply not covered in generalized training,” Fine said. “I am hopeful that this measure will provide training that explores medical and sensitivity issues related to dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to give them the quality care that they deserve.”

Senate Bill 3707 passed the Healthcare Access and Availability committee today. It now goes to the Senate floor for further deliberation.

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