One of the most significant issues on the Texas November 4 ballot is Proposition 14, which would currently affect the lives of almost 500,000 Texans and their one million family members who care for them as unpaid caregivers. If passed, the proposition would authorize the State of Texas to provide up to $3 billion over the next decade to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which would fund research on and treatment for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. According to The Alzheimer’s Association, this historic investment will accelerate the search for effective treatments, preventions, and cures, and position Texas at the forefront of the national fight against dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
The explosion of dementia cases, which are forecast to double in the next 15 years, has been dubbed the Senior Tsunami because of the rapid growth in the number of families impacted by dementia as life expectancies increase. At $300 million annual funding, the most immediate impacts are two-fold. First, there would be the launch of cutting-edge research to expand Texas’ medical capabilities and foster collaboration among research universities, medical institutions, and other partners. Among the most likely research participants would be UNT HEALTH FORT WORTH where Dr. Janice Knebl, DO, MBA, serves as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Knebl also has served as James L West Center for Dementia Care’s Medical Director for over 32 years.
The second piece of significance is that, while The West Center is not a research institution, we put into practice the results of research conducted at UNT HEALTH FORT WORTH and other research leaders, such as the U.T. Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.One component of Proposition 14 would be the expansion of education, supporting the already robust educational programs of the branded educational division of James L West – Dementia-IQ. The Dementia-IQ programs draw best practices from published research, staying relevant and current with the free educational programs offered to the public and healthcare professionals.
Our experts teach hundreds of in-person and virtual classes throughout the year locally, regionally, and nationally to professional audiences and community groups. Proposition 14 will give us more opportunities to collaborate to further our mission of spreading the word about preventing dementia and best practices for caring for those living with dementia. We have a strong team ready to provide free English- and Spanish-language education to those who need support.
Home caregivers are stressed because dementia is new to them. While they want to give their very best efforts to a spouse or parent, their knowledge is limited, so well-intentioned caregivers need the training. As a result, their loving care benefits their loved one in a caring, compassionate manner. The best way you can serve your loved ones who may find themselves in the position of being a caregiver is to vote “Yes” for Proposition 14. Early voting has already started, and election day is Tuesday, November 4. At The James L. West Center for Dementia care, we firmly believe in two statements: 1. A person with dementia is not a problem to be solved; that person is someone to be loved and compassionately cared for in a way that makes them feel safe. 2. Know it before you need it: Becoming a caregiver with no advance notice and training places you and your loved one in a precarious situation. Learning the basics about dementia and the most essential caregiving skills can prepare you to serve, whether you are helping care for a family member or a friend.
About the James L. West Center for Dementia Care
For 32 years, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a not-for-profit organization, has served those impacted by dementia. Established by Eunice West in honor of her late husband, James L. West, who died of dementia, the Center continues to build on its excellence in compassionate care and caregiver and dementia education by expanding its service lines to meet the community’s needs. The Center offers short- and long-term residential care, specialized dementia rehab, senior day program services, in-home care services, and professional and family caregiver education, which was recently rebranded as Dementia-IQ Powered by James L. West. The West Center recently received the Silver Award for Innovation from McKnight’s Publishing, the leading trade publication in the assisted living industry.
Cheryl Harding, Ph.D., has served as President/CEO of The West Center for the past seven years.
