Georgia has the fifth fastest-growing population aged 60 and over, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. Between 2010 and 2030, this population is expected to increase 66 percent to 2,533,710 persons, and the count for those aged 85 and over is projected to nearly double.
The large spike in Georgia’s senior population is expected to result in more cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which will create a greater need for services such as transportation, health care and in-home support for the elderly. Currently, most programs address these diseases near the end of a person’s life; however, there is a growing need for programs that address these individuals’ needs early on.
To this end, the Georgia Division of Aging Services (DAS) applied for and received two U.S. Administration on Aging grants: Alzheimer’s Disease Innovation and Dementia Capable Sustainable Service System Grant. DAS contracted with the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association to assist with programs designed to improve services to persons in the early stages of the disease–and their families–and the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC) to evaluate these multiple interventions.
GHPC research associates Elizabeth Fuller; Susan McLaren and Kristi Fuller are co-principal investigators on the evaluation of these projects: a clinical counseling program for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, a driver assessment program, and a family support program called TCARE, or Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral.
“Georgia has some innovative interventions that are the only programs of their kind in the country designed for persons with early stage Alzheimer’s disease,” says Elizabeth Fuller. “It was exciting to be a part of evaluating these new programs.”