PUBLIC POLICY blank

Gubernatorial Candidate Statement:
Jim Gilmore

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Recently, when speaking about the issue of health care for Virginians, I discussed the importance of quality of care, and how that principle contributes to an effective health care delivery system. Alzheimer's Disease and other related dimensia highlight the need for true quality of care, particularly because of the devastating effect that the prolonged phases of this degenerative and progressive disease have on those afflicted, and their families.

Many of our fellow Virginians face the issue of caring for a loved one in their home. We must ensure that Virginia's home and community-based services include adult day-care and respite care (when a health care aide comes into the home for short periods of time to allow a care-giver to leave the home for various reasons). These important services will afford Alzheimer's patients the ability to spend time at home with their loved ones for as long as possible. Community-based services can save human potential without loss of liberty and without the huge expense of institutional care. I will work closely with our Community Services Board to make sure community-based options are widely available.

We also must make sure that those affected by Alzheimer's are protected outside the home. Instituting a program to locate and safely return individuals who wander away from home or professional care facilities should fall into a holistic community-based service plan. I support the concept of the Wandering Prevention Program, which trains local and state law enforcement officers in interacting with those who have Alzheimer's disease. I have confidence in the police officers of Virginia, and I believe that we can incorporate Alzheimer's education in the law enforcement curriculum without the need for additional legislation.

As Governor, I will support the Alzheimer's Association in its efforts to pass legislation to prevent the types of discrimination that result from the unauthorized disclosure of patient medical records and the discrimination which can result from such disclosure. I believe wholeheartedly in the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship and the necessary confidences which must accompany that relationship Discrimination of any kind has a detrimental effect on us as individuals, and is an impediment to Virginia's growth as a community.

Moreover, I will establish high standards for managed care companies to ensure all Virginians with Alzheimer's receive high quality health care. I will authorize the Virginia Board of Health to establish appropriate quality of care standards for verification that the people of Virginia are receiving the care that they deserve.

I also believe that Virginia should lead the nation and the world in developing medical cures and new technologies for diseases like Alzheimer's and I will support the medical research efforts at U.Va., MCV and Eastern Virginia Medical College, to make a cure a reality. With perseverance, we eventually will eliminate the physical, emotional, and financial costs associated with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia.


The Alzheimer�s Association does not endorse candidates for office but strongly encourages you to evaluate carefully how both Jim Gilmore and Don Beyer plan to meet the needs of Virginia�s 100,000 Alzheimer�s families.

Both candidates for Governor of Virginia agreed to provide their views on four issues of concern to the Alzheimer�s Association. The Alzheimer�s Association believes that Virginia�s government should provide a $500 tax credit to family caregivers, require police to be trained in dealing with Alzheimer�s individuals who wander, protect by law the privacy of genetic testing results from discrimination by insurance plans, and fully fund at least the critical unmet needs in home and community-based care programs.

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Last updated: September 22, 1997

Please return to https://www.alz-nova.org or
call toll-free (866) 259-0042 or (703) 359-4440
for more information about services in Northern Virginia.

© 1997 - 2001 Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area. All rights reserved.

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