AARP Ohio Commends Lawmakers for Passing Legislation to Provide Dementia Training to First Responders

AARP applauds Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio lawmakers for passing House Bill 23, which will develop education and provide optional dementia training to first responders handling difficult situations with individuals with dementia.

“We are very thankful to Gov. DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for their decision to pass this vital legislation. Dementia impacts hundreds of thousands of Ohioans and their caregivers, and this new law offers much-needed safety and support,” said Holly Holtzen, state director for AARP Ohio. “The law is a first step forward in assisting vulnerable Ohioans 50+ and offering their loved ones peace of mind. It is essential all officers and emergency medical service personnel receive this training, and we will continue to work with the Ohio General Assembly and Gov. Mike DeWine to meet our shared goals of protecting Ohioans as they age in place.”

The law will develop optional training for peace officers and emergency medical service personnel that will:

• Help them recognize the key signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

• Teach them to appropriately interact with persons living with dementia.
  
• Educate them on how to best intervene in situations where these individuals may be at risk of abuse and neglect.

There are an estimated 220,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Ohio, with a projection to see nearly a 20% increase in those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias by 2030. More than 421,000 Ohio family caregivers provide 614 million hours of unpaid care for loved ones living with dementia.

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