by Pam Ness
The Alzheimer’s Association recently released the results of an important study on the financial impact of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. There are currently over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and every 66 seconds someone living in the U.S. is diagnosed with the disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America.
What exactly is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is the decline of memory, language, and cognitive problem-solving skills that affect a senior’s everyday living skills. At Alzheimer’s full progression, basic bodily functions such as swallowing and movement deteriorate, rendering a patient bed-bound and in need of constant 24-hour care. Making Alzheimer’s care a necessity for those effected.
Managing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis impacts families on so many levels: logistically, socially, emotionally, and financially. The new study indicates that family caregivers spend more than $5,000 per year caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, in addition to many unpaid hours of care.
Alzheimer’s rates are anticipated to rapidly grow, as the baby boom generation is reaching the age range of 65 and older, which is the peak onset of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Currently, one in nine senior citizens ages 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed by modern medicine, and is the 5th leading cause of death for those who are over age 65. The rate of death for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s is twice as high as for seniors without the diagnosis.
Although Alzheimer’s disease does not yet have a curative treatment, do not despair. There are valuable resources available in our community for patients and their families that can assist with coping and management of daily living needs.
Are you seeing possible signs of dementia in your elderly parent? Do you need help figuring out how to provide care and monitoring for a loved one? Eldercare Services is a premier geriatric care agency in the Bay Area that offers an extensive range of support services and resources related to Alzheimer’s Care with a proactive and loving focus on each client’s individual needs and dignity. Our committed team of experts is here for you. We can get answers to all your questions, connect you with the resources you need, and help put a comprehensive, personalized action plan into place, supporting both you and your loved one.
Eldercare Services also offers ongoing, free classes providing information and support to family members, and we are eager to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Professional Care Managers to determine how best we can help. Reach out to get the support you deserve.
Come back and visit the Eldercare Services blog again. This is the first in a series of blogs that will offer guidance to families on financial resources, including how to utilize free and low cost community services, family and paid caregivers to provide the best Alzheimer’s care for their loved ones diagnosed with this crippling disease.