A task force in Iowa that’s looking for ways to improve services to Alzheimer’s patients is asking for your help. John McCalley, director of the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, says all Iowans are invited to take an on-line survey .
He says the survey is mainly designed for Alzheimer’s patients and their family members or care givers. McCalley, who also chairs the 17-member Alzheimer’s disease Task Force, says the state’s current services to dementia patients are somewhat uncoordinated. He says funding is provided to Area Agencies on Aging across the state, but those services face limited funding, especially in rural areas.
An estimated 65,000 Iowans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to grow as Iowa’s population ages. McCalley says the survey only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. He says the questions on the survey allow individuals to document their experiences with Alzheimer’s and suggestions for improving Iowa’s services.
McCalley says he’d like the surveys completed by December 10, so his group can compile a report and present recommendations to the Iowa Legislature in January.