Detroit Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease is a serious condition that is characterized by memory loss, the deterioration of thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. In 2015, the disease affected 180,000 Michigan residents over the age of 65, and that number is only expected to increase. Experts predict that within the next decade, as many as 220,000 Michigan seniors will be diagnosed with the disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but with proper care, Alzheimer’s patients can continue to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

The Greater Michigan chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association helps families in Detroit and its neighboring cities to cope with Alzheimer’s disease. The organization provides educational resources and connects seniors with Alzheimer’s support and advocacy groups in the Detroit area. The chapter also offers professional training programs directed at both new and experienced caregivers.

Detroit boasts numerous dementia day care and respite assistance programs that provide a supervised environment for Alzheimer’s patients during the workday. This gives at-home caregivers a break during the day so that they can attend to personal business. There are also several full-time Alzheimer’s care facilities located throughout the Detroit area.

Alzheimer’s in Detroit and Michigan at a Glance

Alzheimer’s is an important public health issue for Michigan residents, affecting the lives of thousands of senior citizens and their loved ones.

In 2015, 12% of Michigan seniors over the age of 65 suffered from Alzheimer’s.

The percentage of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to reach 22.2% by 2025.

In 2012, Alzheimer’s Disease was responsible for 3,220 deaths and was the 6th leading cause of death in Michigan.

Alzheimer’s related deaths have risen 96% since 2000.

In 2014, 508,000 caregivers volunteered 578 million hours of unpaid time to caring for patients with Alzheimer’s.

The dollar value of unpaid Alzheimer’s care in 2014 estimated over $7 billion.

Caring for Alzheimer’s patients increased the health care costs of Michigan caregivers by $305 million.

Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s care should focus on keeping patients safe, healthy and comfortable. Constant supervision is required to prevent falls or wandering and to ensure that a patient’s dietary needs are met. In-home care keeps patients in a familiar environment, which can help to ease the stress of coping with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Families that do not have the time or the resources to keep a caregiver at home 24/7 can enroll their loved ones in dementia day care programs.

Alzheimer’s care communities and assisted living centers are ideal for patients that do not have access to in-home care. These facilities hire specially trained care providers to monitor and assist seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Assisted living facilities can provide Alzheimer’s patients with access to the social interaction and engaging activities that they need to keep their minds sharp.

The Cost of Alzheimer’s Care in Detroit

Alzheimer’s disease costs the American healthcare system billions each year. In 2015, the Fiscal Times reported that Alzheimer’s care costs had reached $226 billion. Alzheimer’s patients may require years of expensive specialized care, either by unpaid caretakers or in an assisted living facility. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median monthly cost of a semi-private room in a U.S. nursing home was $6692 in 2015, while a private room cost residents around $7604 each month.

In Detroit, Alzheimer’s care expenses are likely to be a little bit higher than the national average. In 2015 the median cost of a shared, semi-private room in Detroit was $8060 each month, while the median cost for a private room was $8821. The cost of Alzheimer’s care is expected to rise as more and more senior citizens are diagnosed with the disorder and related forms of dementia.

Dealing With the Rising Costs of Alzheimer’s Care in Detroit

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be expensive, especially considering that patients may require many years of care. Some insurance policies that include long-term care options may help to cover the costs of Alzheimer’s care. Patients can also save money on nursing care by sharing a semi-private room with a roommate. Doubling up can save Detroit seniors over $700 each month.

Alzheimer’s patients in Detroit without insurance or who don’t have long-term care coverage can look into applying for financial assistance through the Michigan Medicaid program, which helps low-income state residents to afford health services. Veterans and the wives of veterans may be eligible to receive the VA Aid & Attendance pension to help pay for quality Alzheimer’s care.