As mentioned in the last blog, NAPA was signed into law at the beginning of the year. One of the goals of NAPA is to help guide each state in devising a plan to confront the Alzheimer's crisis. Illinois is one of 16 states that has a plan in place already. According to NAPA, “State plans create the infrastructure and accountability necessary to build dementia-capable programs for the growing number of people with the disease.”
With Illinois already mired in a financial crisis, the need to combat this problem head on is even more important. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers had $7.9 billion  in additional healthcare costs in 2010 alone.  As the large "Baby Boomer" generation ages, so will the number of people who will develop this incurable disease.
If you find yourself the caregiver of one with Alzheimer's, it is important that you seek out the support groups and Alzheimer's/dementia resources available in your area. With Illinois already on board with NAPA, therewill be more information available. As always, it cannot be stressed enough that as a caregiver, you take yourself as well as the person with the disease.

If you would like to learn more about The National Alzheimer’s Project Act, Amberwood Care Centre will be hosting a FREE seminar on the topic. Click NAPA seminar for more details and to RSVP.