"Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are an epidemic that affect people from all walks of life around the world. Given that there is no cure or highly effective treatment for ADRD, it is a problem that isn't going away any time soon. ADRD is set to be a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the 21st century. Worldwide 44 million people live with ADRD, and this figure is expected to reach 135 million by 2050 (ADI, 2013). Due to these projections and growing concern around ADRD, there has been increased attention around building a workforce with the skills to provide high quality care to those with ADRD. Comprehensive care for people living with ADRD will require coordinated health and social care systems with a well-trained workforce. The diverse workforce includes health care and medical providers such as physicians; nurses; psychologists; and pharmacists as well as direct care workers; home health aides and certified nursing assistants. It also includes non-medical professionals such as health educators; social workers; gerontologists; allied health professionals like physical, speech, or occupational therapists; case managers; long term care administrators; elder law attorneys, art and music therapists, and more. In fact, we believe the best treatment for those with ADRD is always a multidisciplinary approach to care. Each profession, each individual, plays a critical role in the care continuum including: pre-diagnosis; diagnosis; post-diagnostic support; coordination and care management; community services; continuing care; and end-of-life palliative care. The continuity of care between different care providers, multiple sectors and system levels and active collaboration between professional and family caregivers is crucial. Those at the forefront of care for those with ADRD need to be adequately informed and trained to respond to the complex needs of people with ADRD as well as to communicate and work effectively with professionals outside of their own profession"-- Provided by publisher.
|
