3594

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

formulation and implementation of certain programs relating
to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and other
diseases and conditions afflicting the aged and elderly;
requiring certain reports; and requesting a study of the
designation of Alzheimer's disease as a psychiatric
disorder.

WHEREAS, The Governor's Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease
and Related Disorders studied the problems associated with these
debilitating disorders and issued its final report on July 30,
1985; and

WHEREAS, This study provides a fresh and timely review of
the effects of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, along
with suggesting legislation and administrative proposals that may
alleviate some of the drastic effects of these debilitating
disorders; and

WHEREAS, The needs identified in this study are also
experienced by victims of other debilitating conditions
associated with the aged and elderly, such as victims of stroke
or acute physical disability; and

WHEREAS, There are a number of programs that exist and that
are now being developed in various departments, and formulation
and implementation of these new or expanded services involve
different departments and agencies of the State, sometimes
individually and sometimes in collaborative activities; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that there be coordination between
the Executive and Legislative branches of government, as well as
interdepartmental coordination, to assure that viable options and
programs are continued, developed, and coordinated; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a coordinating council to
advise the Interagency Committee on Aging Services on existing
programs for the aged and elderly and the coordination of the
efforts of the various State departments, to monitor the progress
that has been made to follow up the recommendations made by the
Governor's Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease and Related
Disorders in its report of June 30, 1985, and to advise the
Interagency Committee on Aging Services on necessary services to
the victims of Alzheimer's disease and their families, and
persons suffering from other diseases and conditions affecting
the aged and elderly and their families, including the extent to
which the following services are provided and the feasibility of
expanding or establishing the following services or programs:

(1) Financial assistance to care givers as provided
by Article 70B, § 4E of the Code, with particular attention to
the Office on Aging family support programs;