Col. Thomas G. Bowden of Tennessee served for 26 years in the United States Army and commanded more than 900 soldiers. In 2012, Col. Bowden faced a new battle when he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. He passed away six years later at the age of 68.

His wife and caregiver, Barbara Bowden, joined with AIM advocates in Tennessee to pass the Col. Thomas G. Bowden Memorial Act in May 2022. This legislation created a pilot program to provide home and community-based respite care to Tennesseans living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia and their caregivers. This year, Tennessee passed HB 1545 (Chapter 966 of 2024), which transfers oversight of the program to the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services and provides $1 million in funding. 

At the time of passage, Barbara shared with News Channel 5 Nashville: “Our family takes this honor very seriously knowing that his name is only a representation of thousands of Tennesseans living with Alzheimer’s,” said Barbara. “We will take Tom’s zest for life with us as we advocate for the passage of this important bill, which will provide essential assistance to the caregivers supporting their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.”

Across the nation, over 11 million Americans like Barbara provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. The estimated 18.4 billion hours of care is valued at nearly $350 billion. This care too often takes a physical and emotional toll, with 74% of dementia caregivers saying that they are concerned about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person living with dementia continues to receive care in a safe environment.

Critically, current state funding for respite care often does not meet the existing needs of caregivers for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, and this shortfall will only grow as the dementia population continues to increase. 

In addition to Tennessee, several states across the nation are taking action to support dementia-specific respite care to ensure family caregivers have the critical support they need. AIM and its nationwide network of advocates have been instrumental in growing progress in this area across the country this year. 

Florida passed HB 5001 of 2024, which appropriated more than $71 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, an increase of $6.8 million over the prior year. This funding provides respite care and other supportive services including case management, caregiver training, caregiver counseling and support groups for dementia caregivers. In addition, $4 million in recurring funds and $2 million in nonrecurring funds were allocated to support Alzheimer’s respite care services to serve individuals on the waitlist statewide. 

In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 28 of 2024 into law, appropriating $600,000 to create a new respite care grant program for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. The Kansas Area Agencies on Aging will administer the respite program, and caregivers of an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can receive up to $1,000 in a calendar year, depending on the caregiver’s need for services. 

Maine maintained $566,057 in funding for its State Respite Care Program, which exclusively serves people living with dementia and their family caregivers. 

In Minnesota, the state legislature passed and Governor Tim Walz signed HF 5247 (Chapter 127 of 2024) into law. This legislation appropriated $2.215 million for the caregiver respite services grant program and adjusted eligibility for the program making it dementia-specific. The grant program also provides respite services, information, education, and training for family caregivers of people living with dementia. 

Missouri passed HB 2010, which includes an appropriation of $1.3 million for dementia-specific respite care — a $300,000 increase over the prior year. 

New York appropriated more than $25 million for the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative. The funding supports a number of important programs and services for caregivers of people living with dementia, including additional respite care. 

Vermont’s state legislature passed H.883 (Act 113 of 2024), which appropriates $250,000 for the Dementia Family Respite Grants program. The grants are administered through the five Area Agencies on Aging.

In Virginia, the state government has maintained $456,209 each year to continue a statewide Respite Care Initiative program for seniors and people living with Alzheimer’s. 

Thanks to hardworking advocates and state champions, progress is being made in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia in state capitols across the nation. Learn more about how to get involved with advancing policy priorities in your state.