Across the world, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. The disease primarily impacts people ages 65 and older, causing issues with memory and other cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. Therefore, it is important to spread awareness, support those who are impacted, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to support those who are impacted by the disease and raise awareness throughout our community.

BCBSRI BH Program Highlight: Programa de coordinación de la atención de la demencia

The Dementia Care Coordination Program is an evidence-informed intervention administered in partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association and a health system. The program is designed to assist caregivers in managing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The Dementia Care Coordination Program is a referral-based program. Referrals are typically initiated by the health system’s care managers. Caregivers who are referred will participate in a six-month program in which they follow an individualized care plan that aims to provide the caregiver with strategies and resources that will be beneficial as they care for their loved one. 

As part of the program, the heath system has access to a full range of programs and services, opportunity for co-branding and marketing, family and caregiver education programs by chapter staff, healthcare professional education sessions, and customer service training for non-clinical staff. The caregiver also has access to the 24-hour Alzheimer’s association crisis line (800-272-3900) and other online resources.

Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association will share outcomes and utilization data from the program with the health system as it relates to caregiver’s program satisfaction, clinician satisfaction, and self-reported caregiver efficacy with caring for the individual with Alzheimer’s/dementia following program engagement.

Click here for the Alzheimer Association referral form. For more information, please contact Isabella Faggiano at Isabella.faggiano@bcbsri.org.