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Tuesday, July 2, 2024

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One million acres of forest protected under The Conservation Fund, including in OR; Trump seeks to set aside his New York hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling; 'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost; Utah feels the impact of California's ban on gestation crates.

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SCOTUS gives former President Trump a huge win in terms of immunity, which might apply to charges of election interference. A new poll finds future court appointments are crucial for voters, and President Biden continues to face post-debate calls to leave the race.

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Ugly, imperfect produce destined for the landfill is being upcycled by a California candy company, a Texas volunteer uses his Navy training to map the gaps in broadband, and Pennsylvania has a new commission tasked with reversing its shrinking rural population.

NH healthcare worker shortage leaves Alzheimer’s patients few options

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Tuesday, March 19, 2024   

A health care workforce shortage in New Hampshire is leaving Alzheimer's patients and their families with few options for treatment.

Patients facing a possible diagnosis are having to wait more than six-months to see a neurologist and are often forced to travel long distances.

Melissa Grenier, regional manager for the Alzheimer's Association of New Hampshire, said while patients wait, the disease progresses and families feel the financial and emotional strain.

"We want people to have the earliest and the most accurate diagnosis possible so that they can implement the best treatments," Grenier urged. "They can plan for the future."

New Hampshire has the most job openings in health care per capita and will need a more than 100% increase in geriatricians to meet demand by 2050.

Grenier pointed out 26,000 people in the state live with Alzheimer's disease and the number will grow to 32,000 next year.

State lawmakers are considering a bill to help build the pipeline of health care workers needed for what has been dubbed the "silver tsunami" of Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Senate Bill 403 would create a rural residency program, expand student loan repayments for medical workers and help expose more students to health care careers.

For now, Grenier noted the state has just 10 respite care facilities for people with Alzheimer's and demand is growing.

"I do not think that New Hampshire has the infrastructure to support our aging population and our growing population of people with memory impairment," Grenier asserted. "And subsequently, the number of people caring for those folks."

Grenier emphasized respite centers offer families a more affordable option compared to home health services, but those living in the state's lakes region or north country have even fewer options. She added people often call the Alzheimer's Association 24-hour hotline looking for advice on the difficult health care decisions they face each day.


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