More than 1,250 persons are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease each day in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 45 percent of people with Alzheimer’s are never actually diagnosed. These statistics show that we have approximately 1,812 “new” cases of Alzheimer’s every day in this country.
If the average family dealing with this illness consisted of five people, that means 9,060 new people each day, or 3,306,900 new people each year, are being affected by this disease – Just in the United States.
Typically, a person living with Alzheimer’s lives another seven to 12 years after diagnosis. My own mother is now in her sixth year, and continues to show a steady decline in her mental abilities. I saw symptoms for several years before her actual diagnosis. One thing I have learned first hand: It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease in our own home. Behaviors related to Alzheimer’s can include wandering (or intentional escaping), combativeness, anger, confusion, and memory loss. These patients require help with all activities of daily living. There is an emotional, psychological, and financial burden on all concerned. Caregivers burn out, suffer from depression, and often face financial ruin. In addition, sometimes caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is unsafe – anger and combativeness create a real danger for the caregiver.
There are a variety of care facilities available: Assisted Living, Residential Care and Skilled Nursing facilities. Each have their own advantages, and the Alzheimer’s patient must be assessed to determine what level of care, and which facility, can provide the type and extent of care needed.
If skilled nursing is needed, the average cost in California exceeds $8,000 per month, and it is not covered by insurance. It is very important to consider the eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal and other benefits to help pay for this expensive care. A legal/financial plan is needed to get the right care, protect assets, and avoid impoverishment. This legal/financial plan should be made at the time of diagnosis, or when the symptoms begin. One thing is certain: there is no cure. Better to have a well thought-out plan, than to be caught in a crises situation, and lose the family home and life savings.
For more information, please visit our website at www.themcnamaralawfirm.com; or call 661-287-3260.