Fishers reader calls for dementia training for home health aids

Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com.

Dear Editor:

As a past caregiver for a loved one of someone living with Alzheimer’s/dementia, I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on families across Indiana.

My mother had this horrible disease, and it resulted in her death. To watch a family member not being able to recall anything about their life or recognize any family members affects everyone. You cannot have a future if you do not know your past. Everyone is affected by this slow, painful and debilitating disease. We all either have or have had a family member or know a human who suffers from this deadly illness. Our loved ones are not who we know or knew. They have no control of their actions.

With all the challenges facing those affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, Hoosier families should be able to make care decisions with the knowledge that their loved ones will receive quality, patient-centered care whether in the home or in a residential setting. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Currently in Indiana, Home Health Aides often receive little or no training on how to properly care for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. This has to change. More and more Hoosiers living with the disease, and their caregivers, are making the decision that in-home care and support is the best setting for them or their family members. It is vitally important that Home Health Aides receive adequate training so they are prepared to provide quality patient-centered care.

Thankfully, Senate Bill 353, introduced by Senator Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), will set minimum training requirements for Home Health Aides. This important piece of legislation will help address the lack of basic dementia-specific competency training among Indiana’s home health workforce while strengthening consumer protections for patients and quality of life for home health employees.

Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking Representative Huston to support SB 353 this legislative session.

Kyle L. Hoffman

Volunteer Alzheimer’s Advocate

Fishers