1. How To Prepare For Alzheimer’s Care
As we reach our senior years, concerns about Alzheimer’s is one of our biggest fears. It has been said that Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease more than any illness other than cancer? More than a third of Americans know a family member or friend who has this disease. This means we all need to find out how to prepare for Alzheimer’s care for a family member. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It is stated that “Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.” This included questions about how people view Alzheimer’s disease, what they actually know about the disease, and the focus on options for care.
This progressive brain disorder, we have yet to defeat. Currently, 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that these numbers will grow up to 16 million Americans by 2050. The number in the U.S. is approximately 250,000. One in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 are affected. The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) estimate that direct and indirect costs of current care are at least $100 billion annually. With this information, we should confirm diagnosis early and begin to prepare for Alzheimer’s care financially.
Surveys show Americans know enough about Alzheimer’s disease to fear it. It also shows that very few people are prepared to face a future with this disease. So the concern is when to start preparing? If you are under the age of 65, most people don’t think much about this disease because we are told we are too young for Alzheimer’s. A poll, commissioned by the MetLife Foundation, summarized the statistics below in a report available at http://www.metlife.org. The report includes:
- Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease. When people are asked to name the disease they are most afraid of getting from a list of illnesses, one out of five picked Alzheimer’s. Only 14% worry about heart disease. Thirteen percent are concerned about strokes. Only cancer tops Alzheimer’s. In fact, adults aged 55 and older fear getting Alzheimer’s even more than cancer.
- Americans know little or nothing about Alzheimer’s, particularly Early Onset. While virtually all of those surveyed are aware of the disease (93 percent), almost three-quarters (74 percent) say they know little or nothing at all about Alzheimer’s.
- Early Onset is even harder for people to ‘assess’ or understand because, for the most part, many of the people in that group are still functioning (maybe with some difficulty).
- One in three Americans (35 percent) has a family member and/or friend with Alzheimer’s.
- More than three out of five people worry that they will have to eventually provide or care for someone with the disease.
2. Types of Residential Care
Laws vary and it is important to ask specific questions about what type of care is provided. Residential Care includes skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities, and custodial care. Good long-term care facilities are made to feel comfortable and homelike. Feeling at home offers privacy, opportunities to meet, interact and socialize with others.
a. Retirement Housing
Retirement housing can be appropriate for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s who are still able to care for themselves independently. A person may be able to live alone safely. This type of senior housing provides limited supervision and may offer opportunities for social activities, transportation, and other amenities.
b. Assisted Living
Assisted living bridges the gap between living independently and living in a nursing home. This type of assistance also includes skilled nursing, long-term care, and custodial care. This type of living can also be called board and care, adult living, and supported care. It typically offers a combination of housing, meals, supportive services, and health care. Assisted living is not regulated by the federal government and varies from state to state. Not all assisted living facilities offer services designed for people with dementia, so it is very important to ask specific questions about what you want or need.
c. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care and long-term medical treatment. Most nursing homes have services and staff to address issues such as nutrition, care planning, recreation, spirituality, and medical care. Different nursing homes have different staff-to-resident ratios so ensure that this is clearly organized. Additionally, nursing homes may have more experience and training with dementia than other caregiving options. Nursing homes are usually licensed by the state and regulated by the federal government.
d. Alzheimer’s Special Care Units [(SCUs) ( Memory Care Units)
Alzheimer’s Special Care Units are often called Memory Care Units. These Care Units meet the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Alzheimer’s Special Care Units (SCUs) can take many forms and exist within various types of residential care. They may or may not be locked or secure units. Such units may have cluster settings in which persons with dementia are grouped on a floor or a unit within a larger residential care facility. Some states have legislation requiring nursing homes and assisted living residences to disclose their fees and list their specialized services. This includes trained staff, specialized activities, and the ability of staff to care for the residents.
3. Preparing for Alzheimer’s Care
As we reach our senior years, concerns about Alzheimer’s is one of the biggest fears. It has been said that Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease more than any illness other than cancer? More than a third of Americans know a family member or friend who has this disease. This confirms that families need to learn how to prepare for Alzheimer’s care for themselves and/or a loved one.
In January 2006, MetLife Foundation/Harris conducted a poll of American adults and found in “MetLife Foundation Alzheimer’s Survey: What America Thinks.” This included questions about how people view Alzheimer’s disease. The questions asked what they know about the disease? Another question was what are the options for care in the future that may include this illness?
This is a progressive brain disorder that science has yet to defeat. Alzheimer’s gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to reason, communicate, and function every day. Currently, 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that these numbers will grow to as many as 16 million Americans by 2050. The number in the U.S. is approximately 250,000. One in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 are affected. The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging estimate that direct and indirect costs of current care are at least $100 billion annually. All of these facts indicate we should confirm diagnosis early and begin to prepare for Alzheimer’s care.
4. Results of the Survey
The survey results show the fear that people have about this illness. It also shows that few are prepared to face a future with it. So the concern on how to and when to start preparing is important. I’ve found this to be quite true as no one really expects this disease, especially if you’re under the age of 65. We don’t think about it until it is right there in front of our faces. A poll, commissioned by the MetLife Foundation, summarized below in a report available at http://www.metlife.org. It includes:
- Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease. When people are asked to name the disease they are most afraid of getting from a list of illnesses, one out of five picked Alzheimer’s. Only 14% worry about heart disease. Thirteen percent are concerned about strokes. Only cancer tops Alzheimer’s. In fact, adults aged 55 and older fear getting Alzheimer’s even more than cancer.
- Americans know little or nothing about Alzheimer’s, particularly Early Onset. While virtually all of those surveyed are aware of the disease (93 percent), almost three-quarters (74 percent) say they know little or nothing at all about Alzheimer’s.
- Early Onset is even harder for people to ‘assess’ or understand because, for the most part, many of the people in that group are still functioning (maybe with some difficulty).
- One in three Americans (35 percent) has a family member and/or friend with Alzheimer’s.
- More than three out of five people worry that they will have to eventually provide or care for someone with the disease.
The survey also shows that Americans know enough about Alzheimer’s disease to fear. More than 8 out of 10 have not taken any steps to provide for the possibility of the disease, even though they also think it is important to plan ahead. Therefore it is critical for us to recognize the need to create a plan addressing this possibility. Nearly nine out of 10 Americans say they have made no comprehensive action plans. Despite the overwhelming agreement is that it is important, almost no one has taken action. I am one of those people who, I did not expect this, and I did not plan for it. So gathering information and putting things in place is critical for us all. The earlier the better.
The fears of Alzheimer’s are justified given its increasing presence among a population that will live longer. As the population ages, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the disease to plan for the future care of a loved one or yourself. If it’s not possible to care for a loved one at home, here are other possible options:
5. Types of Residential Care
A good long-term care facility should feel comfortable and homelike. Feeling at home offers privacy and provides opportunities to meet and interact with others enabling patients to socialize and interact with others. More than 8 out of 10 have not taken any steps to provide for the possibility of the disease. Most people don’t have any comprehensive action plans for future living. Therefore, we must recognize the need to address this possibility. So gathering information and putting things in place is critical for us all. The earlier the better. The fears of Alzheimer’s are justified given the increasing population that lives longer. As we age it is essential to learn what our options are for future living arrangements and care. If you or a loved one cannot be cared for at home, here are other possible types of care.
A. Retirement Housing
Retirement housing may be appropriate for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s who are still able to care for themselves independently. A person may be able to live alone safely. Generally, this type of senior housing provides limited supervision and may offer opportunities for social activities, transportation, and other amenities.
B. Assisted Living
This type of assistance typically offers a combination of housing, meals, supportive services, and health care. Assisted living is not regulated by the federal government and its definitions vary from state to state. Not all assisted living facilities offer services specifically designed for people with dementia, so it is important to ask. Assisted Living also includes nursing, long-term care facilities, and custodial care.
C. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes include (skilled nursing facility, long-term care facility, custodial care). Most nursing homes have services and staff to address issues such as nutrition, care planning, recreation, spirituality, and medical care. One concern may be that different nursing homes have different staff-to-resident ratios. Ensure this is not the case. Nursing homes may have more experience or training with dementia than other caregiving options. Another question to ask. Nursing homes are usually y the state and regulated by the federal government.
D. Alzheimer’s Special Care Units
Alzheimer’s Special Care Units (SCUs) are often called Memory Care Units. These Care Units are designed to meet the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Alzheimer’s Special Care Units (SCUs) can take many forms and exist within various types of residential care. They may or may not be locked or secure units. Such units may have persons with dementia grouped on a floor or a unit within a larger residential care facility. Some states have legislation requiring nursing homes and assisted living residences to disclose their fees and list the specialized services. This includes trained staff, specialized activities, and the ability of staff to care for the residents. This ensures that the level of care is appropriate for the person.
E. Continuing Care
Continuing Care or CCRCs are retirement communities that provide different levels of care. There are 3 types including independent, assisted living, and nursing homes. CCRCs are based on individual needs. A resident can usually move throughout the different levels of care within the community if his or her needs change. Payment for these types of facilities can include an initial entry fee with subsequent monthly fees or payment.
6. What We Need To Do?
More than 8 out of 10 have not taken any steps to provide for the possibility of the disease, even though they think it is important to plan ahead. Most people don’t have any comprehensive action plans for future living. Therefore, we must recognize the need to address this possibility. I am one of those people who did expect or plan for it. So gathering information and putting things in place is critical for us all. The earlier the better.
We need to prepare for Alzheimer’s care. That includes financially, physically, or emotionally. I never thought about this before. I am still at a total loss on how to prepare for my future and how to help family members get ready for future care. Don’t let this happen to you! If you are diagnosed with Early Onset, make sure you are prepared for your future. Look into finances and the cost of care and housing. The sooner, the better off you will be to secure. I hope you found this information helpful. Make sure you come back for more important information on early-onset Alzheimer’s.
God bless and take care,
Leave a Reply