From left, Loretta Leda, Vista Points; Rep. Ryan Williams and Amy French, Alzheimer’s Association.
Loretta Lynn Leda, public relations manager with Vista Points Special Needs Trusts & Resource Center and Amy French, senior manager of Programs and Education, Alzheimer’s Association visited with Rep. Ryan Williams, Senator Frank Niceley, Senator Becky Massey and Senator Steve Southerland at the State Capital, along with hundreds of caregivers affected by the disease.
“I watched my stepfather decline, not only cognitively, but socially and physically," said Ms. Leda. "Most people are unaware of the magnitude to which Alzheimer’s affects people. It can drastically change behavior and moods and they have difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.”
The advocates asked state officials for their support in these ways; (1) Home and community based services programs. This year’s proposed budget calls for an additional $1,000,000 for such care through increased funding for the OPTIONS for Community Living Program. (2) Support this legislation; HB1064/SB1267, to protect the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s from financial exploitation and theft.
Vista Points is hosting three specialized workshops in the Chattanooga area; March 31 for caregivers of children with special needs, April 4 for people with mental health disabilities and April 7 for caregivers of seniors with disabilities. Visit their website for details: www.vistapoints.org or call 1.888.422-4076.
(photo attached: (l-r) Loretta Leda, Vista Points, Rep. Ryan Williams, Amy French, Alzheimer’s Association. 2nd Photo: Amy French, Senator Becky Massey with Miss Scenic City and Miss Dekalb County.)
From left, Amy French, Senator Becky Massey with Miss Scenic City and Miss Dekalb County.