Last year, the Florida Legislature approved legislation that created an 18-member Purple Ribbon Task Force that will develop a comprehensive state plan to address the growing needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

The new law requires the Task Force to assess the current impact of the disease and determine what future steps are needed to support the growing number of families affected by this devastating disease. With the leadership of Representative Matt Hudson (Naples) and Senator Garrett Richter (Naples), the bill moved swiftly through the legislative process with full support by the entire Legislature and the Governor.

Since the final approval by the Governor, the 18 members were appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, and the Governor. Representative Matt Hudson was unanimously appointed by the members to Chair the Task Force.

The Purple Ribbon Task Force immediately mapped dementia-specific services around the state and identified the gaps in services. To date, the Purple Ribbon Task Force has met five times by webinar; created four subcommittees who have met multiple times. As required by law, the Task Force submitted an Interim Report to the Governor, Speaker and President on January 30. 2013.

The Task Force now begins the second phase of the year-long process by assessing the services and gaps, and developing a comprehensive plan that will include recommendations for change. The Task Force must submit the plan to the Speaker, President and Governor by August 1, 2013. We are anticipating Alzheimer legislation during the 2014 Legislative Session that will include many of the recommended changes made by the Purple Ribbon Task Force.

Gloria J.T. Smith, President/CEO of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter was appointed to serve on the Purple Ribbon Task Force.

A caregiver obtained a wireless doormat chime on Amazon.com. When the mat is stepped on a chime sounds on the chiming unit which alerts the caregiver that their loved one is on the move. The mat can be placed by the side of a bed or in front of a door.

Since, six out of ten people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and wandering can happen at any stage of the disease, it is important to take steps to increase the safety of the person with dementia. A chiming doormat is just one of many options or tools available to increase the safety of a loved one. Other options include the following:

• The MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® program is a nationwide identification program designed to save lives by facilitating the safe return of those whose wander. It includes an identification bracelet for the person with dementia as well as an optional caregiver bracelet.
• The Comfort Zone® and Comfort Zone Check-In™programs allows families to monitor a loved one's whereabouts remotely using web-based location services.

Are you or someone you know experiencing early stage dementia?  If so, they may qualify to participate in one of our early stage programs. 

For more information contact your local office.