Dear Editor,
The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging our nation’s health systems and raising many important issues, including care planning for those who contract COVID-19 while living with other major chronic health conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2018, I lost my 68-year-old father, Tom Bowden, to Alzheimer’s disease. He was only 64 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. My mother, Barbara, was his care-partner. Thanks to her diligent research and general wherewithal, she immediately enrolled him in clinical studies, found the best books to help navigate his ever-changing behavior and the rigors of daily life, researched at-home care, the proper equipment he would now need from wheelchairs to hospital beds to eating utensils.
However, most families have no idea what to do after diagnosis. Thankfully, as of January 2017, Medicare covers critical care planning services; unfortunately, not enough patients and providers are aware of this resource.
The bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would increase the use of the care planning benefit by educating clinicians on the Alzheimer’s and dementia care planning services available through Medicare to help more families navigate life post-diagnosis.
Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez to include these bipartisan policies in the fourth COVID-19 pandemic relief package that will have an impact on the millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Sincerely,
Alex Soffer, Park Slope, Brooklyn; Board of Directors Member of the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter
