IU School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Program Awarded $1M
The Indiana University School of Medicine has received $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to launch a statewide Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative.
The three-year program intends to enhance, strengthen and support people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The IU Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science said the goal of the ADPI is to build upon the existing home and community-based social supports to maximize the ability of patients with Alzheimer’s to remain independent in their communities.
“We have proven that collaborative dementia care reduces caregiver stress and improves the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers,” said Dr. Steven Counsell, ADPI project director. “The opportunity to work with community and state partners to expand these innovative services to reach more vulnerable Hoosiers and their families is a dream come true.”
Counsell said people with ADRD and their caregivers will receive coaching from community health workers serving as dementia care coordinator assistants.
The program will serve 1,000 individuals who are eligible for nursing home care yet are living in the community aided by Medicaid in-home services and supports.
It will also provide training in dementia care to 500 personal care workers.