State Senate Committee To Vote On Alzheimer’s Bills

A state Senate committee will hold a public hearing on several Alzheimer’s and dementia bills on Thursday that passed the Assembly.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee is set to vote on three bills that would create a pilot program for dementia crisis units, grants for mobile crisis teams and more money for the state’s Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program.

Rob Gunderman, the public policy director for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, said counties often struggle to place dementia patients who have behavioral issues at nursing homes or assisted living centers.

“They’re worried about getting citations, especially if the person’s become violent,” said Gunderman. “They’re real worried about resident on resident violence, but also it’s more staff time to deal with a person that’s challenging.”

Gunderman said the bills would address challenges surrounding placement, strive to provide better treatment for patients in their communities and provide more relief for families that care for loved ones with dementia.