State Officials Hold Listening Sessions As They Consider Changing Dementia Care Policy

On Tuesday, state health officials will hold a listening session on dementia care in Milwaukee — the fifth and final stop in a series of sessions held around the state.

The Department of Health Services is proposing to change how dementia care is provided for several reasons: The disease has broad impact in an aging state, care is costly and the state Supreme Court ruled that those with dementia cannot be involuntarily committed under a law designed for those with mental illness and substance abuse.

Some of the state’s proposals address aggressive or inappropriate behavior of those with dementia. Health Services Secretary Kitty Rhoades believes much of this can prevented through music therapy, better understanding of the person with dementia or education on how to best interact with those with dementia.

“Will there be a small sector — and I do mean small — who will need some kind of crisis intervention? Yes,” said Rhoades. “We are not looking to institutionalize people. This is a time for intensive treatment plans. If they taking medications, we can readjust the meds“

The state’s proposed changes include addressing barriers in residential care facilities that may deter them from admitting and providing care for those with challenging behaviors.

Most dementia care is done by families. The state is seeking ways to provide support for them and increase awareness about dementia in communities.