Christopher Young’s Post

One in nine Americans aged 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia, resulting in the increased demand of family caregivers to step into a role they are not financially or mentally prepared for. Now more than ever, it is time to improve the future for all caregivers, through advocating with our government officials to ensure they are protected and supported, to build awareness of the gaps in support, and to recognize that each caregiver is a human navigating their own trials and tribulations of life. It's time to do this together. At Otsuka, we are endlessly committed to caregivers, through advocating for more visibility and support, through providing tangible tools to make a meaningful impact and address the daily needs, and through recognizing the caregivers amongst our employees and providing caregiver specific benefits to those who need them. The untold cost of caregiving is one that must be talked about. Read more with Otsuka Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer John Kraus feature in Medical Economics:

🎉🇺🇸 This Presidents' Day, we celebrate a significant step towards better dementia care and support for Medicare beneficiaries. 🌟 The Biden-Harris Administration announced the Medicare Dementia Care Model last year, aimed at enhancing care coordination and providing more support for unpaid caregivers. This initiative aligns with BrainCheck's mission to prioritize brain health and support caregivers. Learn more about how this model is positioned to impact dementia care: https://ow.ly/pXTG50QEmeA #PresidentsDay #DementiaCare #BrainHealth 🧠

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT | THE CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM provides services for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. We empower families with an active support network, reminding them that they are never alone on this journey. By focusing on the power of the present, we help families make memories for tomorrow while enjoying the most of today. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia can be an emotional and challenging journey. This challenge can often take a significant toll on caregivers, sometimes more profoundly than on the individuals living with the condition. As the disease progresses, it gradually erases the cherished memories and abilities of the loved one. This leaves caregivers to witness the heart-wrenching transformation of someone they hold dear. Our Caregiver Support Program provides unique personalized support and education to families and professional caregivers. Personalized support is so vital because every journey with dementia is different. We educate caregivers on this degenerative brain disease to give a deeper understanding of what is happening and how to adapt their caregiving skills to meet their loved one's needs at each stage. #CaregiverSupport #MHA www.mhamidsouth.org

Learn about “The Caregiver’s Journey" on Alzheimer's Speaks. This is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations. Lori La Bey talks with Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, CCC to help you navigate caregiving’s ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and sometimes frightened – to confident, balanced, and supported.”

Dementia care incidence and complexity are evolving, and the CMS GUIDE Model is leading the charge to meet the needs of Medicare beneficiaries. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this innovative approach that prioritizes integrated care coordination, empowered caregiver support, and health equity. This model is a game-changer, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients and ease the burden on caregivers. The synergy between the CMS GUIDE Model and CHAP’s Certification marks a stride towards holistic, equitable dementia care, allowing providers to comprehensively meet dementia care needs and pioneer in an inclusive healthcare landscape. https://hubs.ly/Q02hhcJ50 Participate in the CMS GUIDE Model and submit your application by January 30: https://hubs.ly/Q02hh9m60

🧠 Advocating for Reimbursement in Dementia Care Services 🌟 Ensuring that organizations and professionals receive proper reimbursements from Medicare and other insurers is crucial for delivering high-quality dementia care. Here’s why advocacy in this area is essential: ✅ Sustained Quality Care: Proper reimbursements ensure that dementia care organizations and professionals can continue providing the specialized, compassionate care that individuals living with dementia need. ✅ Access to Services: When reimbursements are guaranteed, more providers can offer essential services, making high-quality dementia care accessible to a broader population. ✅ Financial Viability: Reimbursement support helps dementia care providers maintain financial health, enabling them to invest in ongoing training, resources, and advanced care techniques. ✅ Support for Caregivers: Ensuring financial support for dementia care services means better resources and education for caregivers, enhancing the overall care ecosystem. By advocating for the recognition and reimbursement of dementia care services, we can ensure a sustainable and effective care system for all. 💜 🔗 Visit our website to discover why advocating for the delivery of services is a top priority for us:https://bit.ly/3KjgDTN #OccupationalTherapy #aota #speechlanguagepathology #speechtherapy #occupationaltherapist

READ | In July 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the Guiding an Improved #Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model, a new payment approach to support comprehensive dementia care. Under the GUIDE model, Medicare Part B providers will receive a capitated per beneficiary payment for providing integrated care that addresses health care and daily life needs while also supporting family caregivers. The Better Care Playbook blog post, co-written by JAHF's Rani Snyder and Kiran Raja and edc.org's Gary Epstein-Lubow, explores the need for this new payment model, resources available to help GUIDE providers succeed, and how providers can improve the quality of dementia care. https://bit.ly/3Xgn15G

Five Star Home Health Care is enrolling Medicare GUIDE patients in the Northern Virginia and Winchester areas. Call 703-436-0150 to get started. The Medicare GUIDE program offers comprehensive support to family caregivers of individuals living with dementia: Education and Training: Family caregivers receive specialized training on managing dementia-related behaviors and providing effective care. This equips them with the knowledge and skills to feel more confident and capable in their caregiving role. Emotional Support: Through counseling and support groups, GUIDE offers caregivers essential emotional support to help them navigate the challenges and stresses of caring for a loved one with dementia. Respite Care: Caregivers have access to respite services, allowing them to take temporary breaks from their caregiving duties. This much-needed relief helps them recharge, which is crucial for their overall well-being. Care Navigation: GUIDE assists caregivers in coordinating medical and social services, reducing the complexity of managing multiple appointments and care needs. Resource Access: Caregivers are connected to community resources, such as home health aides and adult day care programs, providing them with additional support to enhance care for their loved ones. The Medicare GUIDE program is dedicated to alleviating the stress and burden on caregivers, improving their quality of life and empowering them to provide the best possible care.

🧠 Advocating for a Trained Dementia Capable Workforce 🌟 The cornerstone of exceptional dementia care lies in having a well-trained, dementia capable workforce. Here’s why advocacy in this area is crucial: ✅ Enhanced Quality of Life: Skilled caregivers provide personalized, compassionate care that significantly improves the well-being of individuals living with dementia. ✅ Informed Strategies: A trained workforce is equipped with advanced techniques to manage distress behaviors, communicate effectively, and support independence. ✅ Better Outcomes: Knowledgeable caregivers contribute to better health outcomes and a more supportive care environment. ✅ Empowered Caregivers: Ongoing training and support empower caregivers to feel confident and competent in their roles. By advocating for comprehensive dementia training, we can ensure that every individual receives the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. 🔗Visit our website to learn more about building a dementia capable workforce: https://bit.ly/3KiZxFK #DementiaCare #QualityCare #TrainedWorkforce #AdvocacyMatters #CaregiverSupport

Dementia and Medication: Navigating the Side Effects Together At Medicine Drop, we see firsthand the challenges families face caring for loved ones with dementia. Medication plays a crucial role in managing symptoms, but understanding potential side effects is crucial for optimal care Demystifying Dementia: - Dementia encompasses various conditions affecting memory, thinking, and daily living - Medication can often help manage symptoms, but side effects can arise. Remember☝: You're not alone: Medicine Drop pharmacists are here to educate, support, and help manage medications Communication is key: Openly discuss all concerns and observations with your healthcare team Individualised approach: Each person reacts differently to medication. Finding the right balance takes time and collaboration Let's empower ourselves with knowledge and work together to ensure the best possible care for those living with dementia #dementiaawareness #medicationmanagement #pharmacycare #medicinedrop #sideeffects #support #education #healthcare #caregivers P.S. Share this post to spread awareness and help others navigate the complexities of dementia and medication.