Alzheimer's Association Launches New Dementia Care Provider Roundtable

CHICAGO, July 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association announced today the creation of the new Dementia Care Provider Roundtable (AADCPR). The AADCPR will convene dementia care providers and thought leaders from across the country to advance care and support services for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The group will meet for the first time on July 26 in Chicago.

"The Alzheimer's Association is committed to improving care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias across care settings and by bringing together dementia care leaders we know we can make improvements in care," said Beth Kallmyer, vice president, care and support, Alzheimer's Association. "The AADCPR members are leaders from companies on the front lines providing care, and together we can develop and advance needed solutions and strategies that result in better person-centered care for people living with dementia."

A major emphasis for the AADCPR will be facilitating implementation of the Alzheimer's Association 2018 Dementia Care Practice Recommendations released this past January. The 56 recommendations, developed by 27 dementia care experts, emphasize person-centered care across 10 content areas and are based on a comprehensive review of current evidence, best practice, and expert opinion. They are intended for professional care providers who work with individuals living with dementia and their families in long-term and community-based care settings.

In addition, the AADCPR will be used to address cutting-edge and emerging issues facing dementia care providers, including:

• Challenges of person-centered care implementation
• Evaluating person-centered care practices and outcomes
• Working better with diverse families
• Gaps in psychosocial research

The Roundtable will convene in-person twice a year and by conference call as needed to tackle topics identified by members as the most critical. Task forces and work groups comprised of participating members may also be used to focus on specific issues impacting dementia care providers. Information and insights developed by the AADCPR may be shared in white papers and articles in academic journals to further advance learnings from the group.

It is estimated that nearly 60 percent of older adults with Alzheimer's or other dementias reside in the community (outside a hospital or clinical setting). About 25 percent of these individuals live alone, but the remainder receives care from family members, unpaid caregivers, and community-based and residential care providers. By age 80, 75 percent of people with Alzheimer's dementia are admitted to a nursing home. The AADCPR and its members will address current and emerging issues guiding care in these settings.

About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association