Brenda Stalzer Marchant

The key discussions focused on several agenda items. The council reviewed and approved the June 2025 minutes. A presentation detailed the PREPARE Participant Registry Study, a Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) registry aimed at enrolling participants in non-medication research studies, including discussions on recruitment challenges and potential assistance from the Advisory Council. An update on the Primary Care Provider (PCP) Survey results provided insights into current views on Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementias (ADRD) diagnosis and treatment, common comorbidities managed, diagnosis tools utilized (MMSE, MoCA, Mini-cog), prescribed medications, referral patterns, and reported barriers to diagnosis and service access. The council also heard an update on the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), noting that lifestyle interventions reduced the risk of MCI and early-stage dementia. The draft of the 2025 Implementation Plan detailing subcommittee work was reported as complete and under review, although the consolidation of objectives did not occur as planned. Discussions regarding the SC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Update and SC Alzheimer's Disease Registry Update were postponed.

The South Carolina Department on Aging's State Plan for 2025-2028 outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the evolving needs of older adults, family caregivers, and vulnerable adults in South Carolina, guided by the Older Americans Act. The plan is structured around four key strategic pillars: Accessibility, Workforce, Quality of Life, and Safety and Security. It aims to enhance service delivery, raise public awareness, and foster an environment where older adults can live independently with dignity, achieve economic security, and actively contribute to their communities.

This Area Plan Extension and Update for the Pee Dee Area Agency on Aging outlines a strategic roadmap for serving older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro Counties from 2023 to 2027. The plan focuses on three main goals: maintaining effective and responsible management of Older Americans Act services, empowering individuals for independent living through comprehensive support, and ensuring the rights of older adults by preventing abuse and exploitation. Key initiatives include enhancing client assessment and information services, expanding transportation and nutrition programs, strengthening caregiver support, and implementing evidence-based health and wellness programs. The overarching vision is to enable older adults to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

This Area Plan Update for the Trident Area Agency on Aging serves as a roadmap to promote the health and wellness of older citizens and family caregivers in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, enabling them to live with dignity and fulfillment. The plan is built upon three strategic goals: ensuring effective and responsible management of Older Americans Act services, empowering older adults and individuals with disabilities for independent living, and protecting their rights by preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It details efforts across various services including assessment, transportation, nutrition, health promotion, family caregiver support, home care, minor home repairs, legal assistance, and long-term care ombudsman programs, with a vision to improve and provide quality long-term care services and support.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the Catawba Area Agency on Aging, dedicated to serving seniors and family caregivers across Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York Counties. The plan focuses on maintaining and expanding core programs, leveraging partnerships and funding (including ARPA funds) to introduce new services such as Consumer Choice Homemaker, Transportation, Dental, Pest Control, Prescription Drug Assistance, and Mom's Meals. Key strategic goals include ensuring effective management of Older Americans Act services, expanding client assessments, providing comprehensive insurance and Medicare counseling, enhancing nutrition and evidence-based health promotion programs, and securing vital transportation, home care, and minor home repair services. Additionally, it aims to strengthen family caregiver support, offer legal assistance, and protect the rights of older adults through the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, all with the vision of continuously improving and expanding services to promote independent living and prevent abuse.