The Medicare Alzheimer's demonstration project in the greater Cincinnati area

Initial inquiries from applicant families show the widespread interest in and need for assistance to pay for in-home care. Nationally, over the next 30 months, the health status of Alzheimer's patients and their primary caregivers who receive case management, family education and training, and Medicare reimbursement for in-home and day care services will be compared to a control group who do not receive special assistance or Medicare waivered services. The cost and effectiveness of these services, and whether or not the rate of nursing home placement differs for the two groups, will be reported to Congress. The Congress will then consider if an expansion of Medicare services to include nonmedical in-home care and/or case management for all Alzheimer's families is financially feasible.