Senator Martins Votes to Help Support Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers

Legislation Would Increase Access to Information About Successful and Innovative Programs Across the State

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation to help assist and support individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The bill (S3968), which Senator Martins supported, would create a dementia and Alzheimer’s disease program database to help coordinate resources available to patients and caregivers.

     “Living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, or caring for a loved one suffering from them, is a physically and emotionally challenging task. Coordinating resources and expanding access to information will help ease some of those challenges and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers,” said Senator Martins.

     There are many programs across the state that are designed to assist and support individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Innovative ideas are implemented at the local level, but it can be difficult for groups in other areas of the state to find out about them.

     This legislation would create a program database on the State Office for the Aging website with up-to-date information on program, methodologies, and services provided statewide for persons suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. This would help facilitate the sharing of information about innovative and successful programs that could be replicated in other areas of the state.

     As part of the 2015-16 state budget, the Senate approved $50 million in funding for services to support people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia – comprised of $25 million this year and another $25 million next year.

     The bill has also been approved by the Assembly and will be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for consideration.