STATEHOUSE (March 2, 2023) – A bill co-authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) to create a dementia care specialist program to help the growing number of Hoosiers facing the disease is now one step closer to becoming law.
In 2020, more than 110,000 Hoosiers were diagnosed with dementia – a number projected to rise to 130,000 by 2025, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
Barrett, chair of the House Public Health Committee and a retired surgeon, said the bill would establish a dementia care coordinator and dementia specialists in all 16 Area Agencies on Aging across Indiana. Together, these specialists would be able train caregivers, who are often relatives of someone with dementia, on best practices to keep them as healthy and comfortable as possible while at home.
"Dementia is an issue that we will unfortunately be addressing for years to come," Barrett said. "This bill is a good step in helping patients, their families and their caregivers get needed support."
Barrett said the 2023 House Republican budget appropriates $3 million over the next two years to support this initiative.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a combination of symptoms associated with declines in functions such as memory or reasoning. Caused by damage to brain cells, dementia can affect communication and thinking in individuals who suffer from it.
The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana and the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging both testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously.
House Bill 1422 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. For more information or to watch session live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes all of Wayne County and a portion of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) testifies before the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at the Statehouse. A bill Barrett co-authored would support Hoosiers suffering from dementia by establishing dementia care specialist positions across the state, who can train caregivers and assist those battling the disease.
