Moylan Supports Alzheimer Training for Public Employees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, has introduced legislation to  require certain state and local government employees to be trained in recognizing and caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and those suffering from dementia.

“Training emergency personnel to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can make all the difference,” Moylan said. “Individuals with Alzheimer’s and those suffering from dementia can suffer from symptoms without warning. When this occurs in a public place, having trained personnel can help our neighbors quickly get the care they need.”

Moylan’s House Bill 3559 would require emergency medical personnel, probate judges and protective services employees among others to receive regular training and refresher courses on recognizing and assisting individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. According to the BrightFocus Foundation, up to 60 percent of those with Alzheimer’s will “wander” at least once, meaning they will go for a walk or stroll and forget what they were doing. This increases the chances of patients going missing, getting injured or contracting an illness due to exposure.

“This training will benefit everyone who knows and cares for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s,” Moylan said. “Having more people aware of the symptoms will help prevent injury and pain for patients, emotional trauma for caregivers and loved ones, and better allocate first responder resources.”

The Illinois Department of Aging offers a free Senior HelpLine which can be reached at 1-(800) 252-8966. Information on wandering and steps to prevent and respond to it can be found here from the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering.