According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double by mid-century.

By CALA Staff

Alzheimer’s Disease Expected to Double

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double by mid-century. Currently, someone is diagnosed with the disease every 66 seconds. By 2050, someone will receive an Alzheimer’s diagnosis once every 33 seconds.

Assisted living providers in California are preparing for this increase in order to ensure that residents have access to the quality care and specialized programming they need and want. Assisted Living can provide a home-like environment for people living with dementia that promotes dignity and respect with highly trained staff members knowledgeable about the condition.

Preparing In Advance

One way in which they are preparing is by fulfilling the new caregiver training requirement recently passed in the state. As of January 1, 2016, all caregivers employed by Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) are required to receive both initial and ongoing training in dementia care, including the special needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and person-centered approaches to care. This requirement recognizes the increasing need for quality care as well as the need for caregivers of all RCFEs to recognize the signs of cognitive decline, regardless of whether or not the community provides specialized care.

Another way providers are preparing is by taking advantage of the high-quality dementia care education available at the California Assisted Living Association’s (CALA) biannual Conference & Trade Show. “By ensuring that they are up to date on the latest in dementia research, California’s assisted living communities will continue to provide quality service and care to the residents of today and tomorrow,” says CALA’s president, Sally Michael.

Research, Programming and Behavioral Approaches

Each year, CALA provides education on the latest in research, programming, and behavioral approaches. These sessions consistently earn a 4.5-star or higher rating by attendees. According to a former attendee, “Many of the concurrent sessions provide valuable tips and advice on how to help cognitively and physically engage residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.” Another shared, “Every dementia session I attended was insightful. It was great to get continued collaboration and insight into new ideas, approaches, and strategies.”

2016 Fall Conference & Trade Show

At the upcoming Fall Conference & Trade Show, to be held October 24-26 in Rancho Mirage, attendees can earn up to 11 dementia-specific CEUs while learning from leaders in the field. This year, attendees can look forward to a deep dive into innovative programming at Monday’s “The Transformative Power of Music Engagement,” new insights into early detection during Tuesday’s “Alzheimer’s Science & Care Update,” and tips for helping residents move to a new level of care in “Easing the Transition to Memory Care,” among other forward-thinking topics. Don’t miss the high-quality dementia education available at the Conference & Trade Show – register today at www.CAassistedliving.org.