Advocate

 photo of Capitol

Join the cause

The Alzheimer’s Association--Western and Central Washington invites you to become an Alzheimer advocate. Join us and be a voice for the needs and rights of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

Add your voice to ours — become an advocate today.


Printable Flier

Act Now



Upcoming Events

Join us for Memory Walk.

 

What is an advocate?

Advocates are people with Alzheimer's and related disorders, caregivers, friends and families whose voices together are a powerful tool for change and hope of a future without Alzheimer's.  Alzheimer advocates play an important role in improving the quality of care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by working to improve dementia care and services; improve access to community-based care; improve quality care in residential settings; and expand funding for research and public programs serving people with dementia.

As an advocate, you will:

  • Receive regular updates about public policy issues and events.
  • Have the opportunity to call, write, or meet with legislators about our public policy priorities.
  • Help spread the word about the importance of Alzheimer's advocacy. 

Washington State advocacy

2010 PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES

1. We vigorously oppose all further reductions in the State budget that would adversely affect individuals who have Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers. No cuts to needed programs and services which include:

  • Medicaid program
  • Health and Recovery Services Administration (HRSA) systems
  • Senior Citizens Services Act (SCSA)
  • Homecare services
  • Family Caregiver Services Program (FCSP)

The expected extension of the Federal Enhanced Medicaid funding for Washington State may provide $500 million to support the Medicaid program. Utilize the Federal funding to support the Medicaid program. Devastating cuts were already made to the Medicaid program last year and further cuts are unthinkable.

 2. Generate revenue to restore adult day health services to their 2008 levels. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers depend on vital services provided by adult day health centers. People with Alzheimer’s receive therapeutic services, help with their medication and chronic care management for their health conditions through adult day health centers, which allow them to remain in their homes longer, delaying or avoiding expensive nursing home care. Adult day health also provides crucial respite care services for family caregivers.

 3. Implement Initiative 1029 and maintain the current schedule for training. More than 70 percent of the people in Washington State voted for Initiative 1029 to improve training for home care workers.

Federal advocacy

 

Back to top