The Office of Dementia Services (ODS) oversees the administration of statewide programs and services and manages policy information and resources affecting residents in Kentucky with dementia, their caregivers and families.
The ODS dementia services coordinator is responsible for:
- Creating, implementing and updating the Kentucky Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan;
- Coordinating and managing the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Council;
- Assessing and analyzing dementia-specific data collected by the Cabinet, including the behavioral risk factor surveillance system and related data;
- Evaluating state-funded dementia services;
- Identifying and supporting development of dementia-specific training;
- Streamlining applicable state government services to increase efficiency and improve the quality of care in residential and home- and community-based settings;
- Identifying any duplicative services to eliminate unnecessary costs;
- Identifying and applying for grant opportunities to expand the scope of services while reducing state costs; and
- Other duties that support policy, program and service development and implementation for individuals with dementia and their family caregivers.
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Council
The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Council is made up of 15 appointed members who advise the governor, General Assembly, CHFS and other state agencies on matters relating to the Kentucky Alzheimer's and Dementia State Plan. The council reviews and makes recommendations regarding progress towards plan goals and implementation of resources and services to serve individuals with dementia and related disease across Kentucky.
Kentucky Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (KARD)
The Kentucky Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (KARD) collaborative is a statewide network of professionals, agencies, nonprofits, businesses, persons living with dementia, their care partners, advocates and the Alzheimer's and Other Related Dementias Advisory Council. Members are passionate about and dedicated to making a difference in Kentucky's service to and support of individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia and their care teams.
The collaborative has seven workgroups:
- Service Delivery
- Policy
- Healthcare and Insurance
- Data and Research
- Public Safety
- Outreach and Partnership
- Workforce Development
Workgroups engagage in efforts to advance the goals and objectives of the Kentucky Dementia State Plan. Members include statewide advocates for Alzheimer's and related dementias working to promote and create programs and services offering comprehensive support to the more than 75,000 Kentuckians living with dementia and their nearly 150,000 caregivers.
If you are intersted in joining any of the KARD workgroups please email
Dementia Services Coordinator Jennifer Craig or call (502) 564-6930.
Home Health and Personal Service Agencies Dementia Curriculum Review
The 2021 General Assembly set new dementia-specific training requirements for home health agencies and personal services agencies with residents or program participants who exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's or other dementias across the commonwealth. The Office of Dementia Services was designated to review and approve provider agency dementia training for direct-hire or contractor aides or other non-licensed personnel whose work involves extensive contact with individuals who exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer's or other dementias.
Direct questions concerning the curriculum review application and/or approval process, please email
Jennifer Craig or call (502) 564-6930.