In a significant legislative move, Florida Senator Danny Burgess’ (R-Zephyrhills) recent filing of Senate Bill 398 could mark a turning point for older adults dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. The bill is designed to establish a statewide program to expand public education, resources for those affected in the state and changes in how this disease is approached and administered.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results in memory loss and an inability to carry out daily activities. According to the Department of Elder Affairs’ Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee (ADAC) report, “Florida has the second highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the country with more than 580,000 and expecting to increase to 720,000 this year.”
The emotional and financial toll on families can be overwhelming as they navigate the struggles of affordable care and support for their affected family members.
SB 398 addresses these challenges head-on by stating it “requires contracting with a statewide nonprofit organization experienced in supporting Alzheimer’s and dementia disorders to develop and implement the program.”
This means it will be allocating funds toward the development of specialized care facilities and training programs for caregivers. These facilities are expected to offer a safe and nurturing environment tailored to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Nicole Ballas, the chief development officer at Elder Care Services, a non-profit organization in Tallahassee, addressed the financial hardships of family members who are affected.
“Caregiving is a huge expense and for the most part there’s billions of dollars each year and unpaid care that’s being provided by caregivers who have to leave the workforce often and what that does to their financial security to be able to take care of seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s because that’s a huge issue.”
For family members, SB 398 promises relief in several ways. First, it aims to increase access to care services, giving caregivers much-needed breaks and reducing the risk of burnout. Ballas also talked about the bill regarding funding for different programs and care facilities in Tallahassee, and what that could potentially do for them.
“As far as funding, there’s the Department of Elder Affairs which handles several major pots of funding, one of which is the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. So, there’s a chance that the bill is to increase funding in that area.”
According to the bill, if passed, it “dictates that the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee evaluate the program annually and recommend future funding needs to the legislature.”
It also highlights that it allocates $1.5 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to implement the program.
If the bill is passed, this would be the amount the Department of Elder Affairs in Tallahassee will receive.
Moreover, the bill outlines minimum content for the program, covering early detection, risk reduction, brain health, recent research developments and community resources.
This can significantly slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
The community also stands to benefit from SB 398. By raising awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, the bill fosters a more compassionate and informed society. Educational campaigns will help dismiss the stigma associated with the condition, encouraging a more supportive approach toward those affected.
As of Feb. 10, the bill was referred to the Department of Elder Affairs, so it is still awaiting process. However, if SB 398 passes, it is set to go into effect on July 1, 2025.