OHCA Spring/Summer 2016

19 / 30

Spring/Summer 2016 The Oregon Caregiver 19
DATA & RESEARCH
working with people with dementia, is
one state-level intervention. Providers
must recruit and train individuals that
can provide high quality care to residents
and clients with dementia. Additional
training can help ensure an effective
workforce that can better meet the
challenges of dementia.
Oregon Care Partners (OCP) has already
made a significant impact by providing
free in-person and online classes on
a variety of topics including caring
for those with memory loss. Training
has been provided to thousands of
professional and family caregivers in
every county in Oregon. Continuing to
fund training initiatives such as OCP can
have a meaningful impact on the care
that is provided in this state.
A measured reduction in the use of
medications, and antipsychotics in
particular, under the guidance of
pharmacists and physicians is another
avenue to promote higher quality care.
National efforts to focus attention on this
strategy have gained ground. Members
of OHCA’s national association, AHCA/
NCAL, met their reduction target of
30 percent an entire year early. Yet,
more improvement is needed. Again
medication training could have a
significant impact on reducing the use of
unnecessary medications.
Until researchers develop an effective
way to either prevent or treat dementia,
the impact will be felt by all—individuals
and families as well as policymakers and
providers. Public policy must support
strategies that promote better care, while
ensuring sustainable programs. 
Dr. Dawson, D.Phil, is the director of research & analytics at
the Oregon Health Care Association.