Carnahan announces new program for Alzheimer's patients

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Gov. Mel Carnahan Aug. 25 announced a new state program to improve the long-term care of people with Alzheimer's disease. |ret||ret||tab|

Sixteen care facilities in Missouri including the Manor at Elfindale in Springfield, Ash Grove Healthcare in Ash Grove, Colonial Springs Healthcare in Buffalo, Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia and Parkview Health Care and Citizens Memorial Health Care in Bolivar will participate in the pilot program and focus on the special needs of Alzheimer's patients. |ret||ret||tab|

The Gatesworth Nursing Center in St. Louis was approved for 120 beds for a stand-alone facility for Alzheimer's patients. |ret||ret||tab|

"Placing a parent or grandparent in a nursing home is never an easy decision for a family, but this program will help provide the best care with special attention on the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients," Carnahan said in an Aug. 25 press release.|ret||ret||tab|

Carnahan signed legislation last year to establish the program within the Division of Aging and authorize the licensing of 300 new beds at long-term care facilities. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Goode, D-St. Louis. The program is an initial step in establishing a new state licensure category for long-term facilities that provide care for Alzheimer's patients. |ret||ret||tab|

Participating families are directed to use a social model for care rather than the institutional medical model used at many nursing homes. Because mental confusion, rather than medical problems, is often the primary concern for Alzheimer's patients, an emphasis on social interaction among staff and residents is used to maintain skills and abilities and delay the patients' decline, according to the release. |ret||ret||tab|

"Alzheimer's disease is a special condition that requires special treatment," Carnahan said. "New research tells us that there are ways that the quality of life for these patients can be improved, and this program will help us do that. It will also help families who are dealing with the many challenges that come with caring for a family member with this condition."|ret||ret||tab|

The facilities approved to participate in the pilot project must meet safety standards equivalent to those required of skilled nursing facilities in Missouri. They will also be inspected twice a year to evaluate the success of the program, the release said. |bold_on||bold_on||ret||ret||tab|

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