Dementia services coordinator requirements approved

Lawmakers gave final approval April 9 to a bill that seeks to link families caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia with supportive services and resources.

LB913, sponsored by Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to appoint a dementia services coordinator who will:
• collect and monitor data related to the impact of dementia disorders on Nebraska residents;
• recommend strategies for service and resource coordination among agencies;
• increase awareness and create dementia-specific training to facilitate access to quality coordinated care in the most integrated setting;
• organize community stakeholders and resources to identify proactive and effective solutions;
• evaluate the needs of impacted individuals and their caregivers and identify services, legislation, resources, policies and funding required to address such needs through a state plan; and
• provide information, counseling, education and referral about services and programs, including safe, secure environments, that support individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

LB913 passed on 48-0 vote.