Legislation Document

WHEREAS, more than 19,000 Delawareans suffer from Alzheimer's, and that number is estimated to more than triple by the year 2050; and

WHEREAS, nearly one out of every three seniors who die each year suffer from some form of dementia; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's is a serious disease that affects not only those who have it, but also their families and 31,000 caregivers in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the severity of this health crisis necessitates the survey of and assessment of Alzheimer’s disease resources, services, and care measures, and future fiscal impact of Alzheimer’s disease in Delaware in order to ensure the state is prepared to handle the looming crisis of this disease; and

WHEREAS, this health crisis has a significant fiscal impact on the State of Delaware, which is estimated to keep increasing, currently costing $253 million in Medicaid alone each year; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia negatively impact the health and quality of life of Delawareans.

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly, the Senate concurring therein, that the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services with input from stakeholders, shall release a Request for Information (RFI) on conducting a comprehensive statewide needs assessment to assess trends, service needs, resources, and capacity for Alzheimer's and related dementias no later than October 1, 2023.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this needs assessment must include:

(1) Trends in the state's Alzheimer's disease and related dementias populations and service needs, including:

a. The availability and cost of services, resources for those living in historically underserved areas, rural areas, nonwhite communities, and those areas as defined by federal poverty guidelines.

b. The average amount of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and mortality rate of Alzheimer’s disease in nonwhite communities.

c. The state's role in providing or facilitating assistance to those with early-stage or early-onset Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

d. The state's policies regarding individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

e. The cost of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias on publicly funded health care programs.

(2) Existing resources, services, and capacity relating to the care of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, including:

a. Home and community-based services, including respite care, for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their families, or caregivers, or guardians.

b. Number and availability of long-term care dementia units or providers.

c. The resources, services, and capacity of geriatric psychiatric units for individuals with behavioral disorders associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

d. Assisted living options for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

e. State-supported Alzheimer's and related dementias research conducted at universities located in this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than March 1, 2024 the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services should submit a report detailing the findings of the RFI for the needs assessment, as well as any existing and available data that is responsive to sections (1) and (2) of this resolution to all the following: the Governor, all members of the General Assembly, the Controller General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, with copies to the Director and the Librarian of the Division of Research of Legislative Council, and the Delaware Public Archives.