Bipartisan Legislation Would Ensure Adequate, Well-Trained Palliative Care Workforce to Address Nation’s Caregiving Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2018 — The Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). In a unanimous vote, the House advanced this important legislation which would improve access to quality hospice and palliative care.

“People with Alzheimer’s and other dementias rely heavily on palliative and hospice care at the end of life,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM Executive Director. “Yet as the need for this type of care grows, we are very concerned about its availability.”

Palliative and hospice care—with a focus on managing and easing symptoms, reducing pain and stress, and increasing comfort—can improve both the quality of care and quality of life for those with advanced dementia. Among seniors in hospice care, nearly 1 in every 5 has a primary hospice diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association and AIM, PCHETA was introduced by Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY), Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). To enhance the availability and quality of care, PCHETA would increase palliative care and hospice training for health care professionals, launch a national campaign to inform patients and families about the benefits of palliative care, and enhance research on improving the delivery of palliative care.

“We are grateful to the House of Representatives for passing PCHETA and thank Representatives Engel and Reed for their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer’s,” said Egge. “We look forward to the Senate advancing this bipartisan bill.”

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org.
 

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement

The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) is the advocacy arm of the Alzheimer’s Association. AIM works to develop and advance policies to overcome Alzheimer’s disease through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support. For more information, visit alzimpact.org.