The Governor delivers on promise in his 2024-25 budget address to better support older adults living with the disease and their caregivers.
“Enacting this law… is more than just policy – it is a commitment to protect our loved ones.» – Sen. Rosemary Brown
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro yesterday signed legislation into law that creates the first Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) Division in the Commonwealth’s history to support older adults living with the disease and their caregivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will provide oversight for the Division, and its creation delivers on Governor Shapiro’s promise in his 2024-25 budget address to invest more in the Commonwealth’s older adult population.
“No one should have to face this terrible disease alone – by signing this bill into law, my Administration is committing real resources to older adults, their families and caregivers who are dealing with Alzheimer’s, and making it clear that we have their back,” said Governor Shapiro. “The 2024-25 bipartisan budget invests $80 million more to support our seniors, and this first-ever Alzheimer’s Division at the Department of Aging is part of that investment. While there’s still more work to do to support Pennsylvania’s older adults, creating this Division is a step in the right direction.”
In addition to authorizing the first-ever ADRD Division, Senate Bill 840, now Act 111, also establishes an ADRD Advisory Committee to convene statewide stakeholders on ADRD State Plan implementation, advocate for policy, secure federal funding, and leverage additional resources to better respond to the unique and complex needs for those living with ADRD and the systems that support them.
“The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is proud to be the convener of the Commonwealth’s important work with ADRD to help older adults and their caregivers impacted by these terrible diseases. This new division allows the Department to address this growing public health crisis in our Commonwealth and aligns with the work that the Department is already doing in this space,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “I am grateful for Governor Shapiro’s and the General Assembly’s support in establishing this ADRD Division, as well as the stakeholders and advocates so we can all better support these older Pennsylvanians, their families and caregivers.”
There are currently more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase to 320,000 by 2025. There are also 465,000 caregivers providing 822 million hours of unpaid care and the value of that unpaid care is more than $13.6 billion.
Bipartisan members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly celebrated Governor Shapiro’s signing S.B. 840 into law.
«Enacting this law marks a significant step forward in our efforts to support Pennsylvania families affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders,» said Senator Rosemary Brown. «Just as these families have shown unwavering dedication to their loved ones, it is time for our state to demonstrate the same level of commitment. Our mission is clear – we must break down bureaucratic barriers, foster collaboration across government agencies, and ensure Pennsylvania leads the way in Alzheimer’s care and support. This is more than just policy – it is a commitment to protect our loved ones.»
“As majority chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, I welcomed the opportunity to work with legislative leaders and stakeholders to get this crucial bill across the finish line,” said Representative Maureen Madden.
“With Pennsylvania continuing to age and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders on the rise, we need to do more to ensure our older adults are taken care of,” said Senator Judy Ward, Republican Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee. “This legislation will put the Commonwealth in a better position to push back against the challenges that ADRD present and help our older adults across Pennsylvania live and age with dignity.”
“Having worked as a bedside nurse in long-term care, I know how much those battling Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders and their caregivers need our support,” said Senator Maria Collett, Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee. “I was proud to work with Senator Brown and the Shapiro Administration to get this legislation across the finish line, and I look forward to collaborating with the new ADRD Office and Advisory Committee to ensure Pennsylvanians can get the quality care they deserve.”
“Pennsylvania has taken the next step in helping an aging population by creating the Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Office and Advisory Committee,” said Representative Steven Mentzer, Republican Chair of the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. “Senate Bill 840 is a tangible way to take action against horrible disorders which affect our older adults in the Commonwealth, and I am glad to have supported it along the path to the Governor’s desk.”
«Governor Shapiro’s signing of Senate Bill 840 into law marks a historic and pivotal moment for Pennsylvania. The creation of S.B. 840 into law will put the Commonwealth on a path toward more effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis,» said Kristina Fransel, Regional Vice President and Delaware Valley Chapter Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association. «Through the work of our Alzheimer’s Association volunteers who courageously shared their stories and advocated for this bill, and with leadership from our state legislators and Governor Shapiro, Pennsylvania is in a position to lead the way toward better care and support for those living with dementia and their caregivers.”
