PORTLAND, Ore., November 3, 2016–The Purple Ribbon Commission, brought together by the Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter and the Oregon Health Care Association, will convene on November 4, at a public symposium, and during the following week to discuss innovative and evidence-informed practices for advancing quality dementia care in Oregon.
The Purple Ribbon Commission consists of aging and dementia experts in Oregon and nationally-recognized dementia researchers, Alzheimer’s and aging experts, training instructors, and care providers. The Commission will examine practices to improve family and consumer supports and programs, caregiver training and competency, objective and evidence-informed staffing practices, and quality metrics to track and measure performance.
During the public symposium, Purple Ribbon Commissioners will hear from other leading experts in the field on five different topics:
- Family/Consumer Perspectives and Experiences
- Experts in Aging and Person-Centered Care
- Alzheimer’s: A National and State Perspective on Recommendations, Leading Practice, and Training Models
- Oregon Dementia Care Landscape
- Training, Care, and Support Practices and Metrics
Commissioners will use the information from this event to form a set of policy recommendations on how Oregon can best address key issue areas and provide quality care and services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
The recommendations will be finalized in December and will be shared with the Legislature in advance of the 2017 legislative session.
Purple Ribbon Commissioners are:
- Tracy Morgan, co-chair, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Oregon
- Linda Kirschbaum, NHA, co-chair, senior VP quality & services, Oregon Health Care Association
- Keren Brown Wilson, PhD, executive director, JF Richardson Foundation
- Ellen Garcia, executive director, Providence Elderplace
- Ruth Gulyas, MHA, CEO, LeadingAge Oregon
- Cindy Hannum, family member, retired administrator, Oregon Department of Human Services
- Mauro Hernandez, PhD, CEO, Concepts in Community Living
- Sarah Holland, MSW, MPH, program director, Alzheimer's Association Oregon
- Mary Jaeger, MPA, MA, aging veterans services director, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
- Dr. Jeff Kaye, M.D., professor of neurology & biomedical engineering, OHSU's Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center
- Jay Leo, COO, The Springs Living
- Dr. Allison Lindauer, NP, PhD, geriatric nurse practitioner, assistant professor, OHSU's Layton Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Center
- Fred Steele, long term care ombudsman, Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
- Liz Von Wellsheim, MSN, MA, geriatric nurse practitioner, medical director ElderHealth & Living ElderHealth & Living
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About the Oregon Health Care Association
The Oregon Health Care Association improves the lives of seniors and people with disabilities by educating and advocating for quality care. The Oregon Health Care Association represents more than 900 organizations statewide, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, residential care, senior housing, licensed in-home care agencies, and business partner members. Learn more at www.OHCA.com.
