Rep. Serra Named to Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia Task Force

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) is pleased to announce that he has appointed House Chair of the Aging Committee Rep. Joe Serra (D-Middletown) to co-chair the Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

"Rep. Serra's experience as co-chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee as well as his work leading the Aging in Place task force makes Joe the perfect choice for this important new assignment," Sharkey said. "Joe’s long tenure of working to improve the lives of seniors in Connecticut is well-known, and I am confident he will take on this role with that same dedication."

“As co-chair of the Aging Committee, I know first hand of the great need in our state for comprehensive reform of health care at all levels,” Serra said. “I thank Speaker Sharkey for appointing me to this important task force through which we will be able to help steer Connecticut in the right direction for more effective, humane treatment options for sufferers and their caregivers.”

The task force will study the care provided to persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the state and make recommendations related to services provided to them and their families. 

Recommendations will include Legislative policy changes to better serve such persons, family members and caregivers, coordination between state agencies and private community-based health care providers, case management services, transition from one health care facility to another and, when feasible, the placement of such persons in community-based settings or health care facilities other than nursing home facilities. 

In addition to serving as House Chair of the Aging Committee, Rep. Serra serves on the Judiciary and Transportation committees.

Last April, Serra led the floor debate on legislation (HB5440) approved by the House of Representatives to enhance the rights of grandparents seeking visitation rights with their grandchildren.