The Biden-Harris Administration Announces a $200 Million Investment to Bolster Geriatric Care for Older Adults, with an Emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Dementia
In a major advancement for elderly health care, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is dedicating over $200 million in funding to enhance the expertise of primary care professionals. This substantial investment is aimed at 42 national programs that focus on refining the delivery of health services to senior citizens, particularly those grappling with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia conditions.
The initiative underscores the Administration’s deep commitment to age-related health care as it gears up the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). The GWEP is committed to training primary care providers, including doctors and nurse practitioners, to deliver comprehensive, age-appropriate, and dementia-focused health care to older patients. Moreover, the program prioritizes equipping family caregivers and other care partners with essential knowledge and practical skills for optimal geriatric support.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra articulated the Administration’s vision, asserting, “Ensuring the health and well-being of older Americans is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris agenda. By augmenting the cadre of skilled health care professionals in geriatrics, we are taking a significant step toward that goal. This Administration remains steadfast in backing not just the skilled caregivers but also the family members who are instrumental in the care network for the elderly.”
This strategic initiative seamlessly incorporates geriatric education into primary care settings, ensuring that healthcare practitioners are adept at recognizing and catering to the unique requirements of the aging population. Primary care providers frequently serve as the main point of health management for many seniors; hence, it is crucial that these providers are empowered to manage the multifaceted health demands that often arise with aging. Additionally, the program’s grantees will extend their reach into communities, providing guidance to family caregivers and others involved in the care of older individuals, assisting them in adapting to their evolving care responsibilities.
HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson emphasized the central role of caregivers and family members, alongside primary care providers, stating, “They are among the pillars of support and trust for the elderly, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. At HRSA, we stand committed to reinforcing the healthcare professionals that these patients rely on as they advance in years.”
The new funding aligns with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra’s Health Workforce Initiative, marking it as a pivotal component of supporting and enhancing the healthcare workforce. This comprehensive effort focuses on identifying avenues to improve the recruitment, retention, and upward mobility within the health profession. Striving for excellence across HHS-led programs, the initiative seeks to engage with key stakeholders and bolster federal efforts to back healthcare workers more effectively. Moreover, this initiative contributes to realizing the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, acknowledging that cultivating a skilled healthcare workforce is essential in providing superior care for the over six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, as well as their devoted caregivers.