Orlando Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that touches the lives of thousands of families across Florida. In 2015 alone, an estimated 500,000 Florida residents over the age of 65 lived with Alzheimer’s, and this figure is only expected to rise. By 2025, the condition is expected to affect 720,000 seniors living across Florida.

The Central and North Florida chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to helping the residents of Orlando and its neighboring cities cope with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The organization provides patients and caregivers with educational resources and with information about local care or support groups.

Orlando residents have access to dozens of quality dementia day care programs and full-time Alzheimer’s care communities. There are facilities available to meet any senior’s unique needs, from gender restricted living centers to pet-friendly communities. One of Orlando’s top assisted living centers is Spring Hills Hunters Creek, which had the honor of receiving the SeniorAdvisor.com 2016 Best Senior Living Award.

Facts and Figures about Alzheimer’s in Orlando and Florida

Alzheimer’s disease affects over 5 million Americans, and that number is expected to jump to 16 million by the middle of the century. Thousands of Florida residents currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is considered a top public health concern for senior citizens.

12% of Florida seniors over the age of 65 suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in 2015.

It is estimated that by 2025, 44% of Florida seniors above 65 will have Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2012, Alzheimer’s was responsible for over 5,000 deaths in Florida.

Almost 1.06 million caregivers spent over 1.2 billion unpaid hours caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.

This value of this unpaid labor amounted to almost 14.7 billion dollars.

The health care expenses of unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers increased by $688 million in 2014.

Caring For Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s

Many Alzheimer’s patients receive care in their own home or the home of a relative. In-home care can provide a comforting, familiar environment to those suffering from dementia. This arrangement is not always possible, however, as relatives may not have the time or skills to care for an Alzheimer’s patient on a 24 hour basis. Respite assistance programs and dementia day care programs can give home caregivers a break during the workday.

Some Alzheimer’s patients choose to settle down in an assisted living community instead of receiving care at home. At a community, trained healthcare professionals are available at all hours of the day to assist Alzheimer’s patients with daily tasks such as eating, drinking, and taking medication. The care staff also monitors residents at all times to prevent falls or wandering, both of which can be dangerous for a patient suffering from dementia.

How Much Does Alzheimer’s Care Cost for Orlando Residents?

As more and more seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the cost of care is on the rise. According to the Fiscal Times, the cost of Alzheimer’s care in 2015 rose to $226 billion in the United States. The care expenses for an individual patient vary by city, but according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost for a semi-private room in a U.S. nursing home totaled $6692 in 2015, while the median cost for a private room totaled around $7604 per month.

Orlando is a popular retirement destination among the senior community due to the city’s sunny weather and rich culture. The city’s popularity has driven up the price of retirement community living in the area. The median cost of a semi-private room in Orlando in 2015 was $7376 per month, which is slightly higher than the national median, while a single room cost residents around $7862 each month.

Coping With the Costs of Alzheimer’s Care in Orlando

The costs of living with Alzheimer’s can be daunting, but there are several ways in which patients and their families can save money. When researching retirement communities, check to see if they offer semi-private rooms at a discounted rate. Patients may also want to talk with their insurance company to see if their long-term health policy covers Alzheimer’s and dementia related care.

Government backed financial assistance programs are available to eligible individuals in Florida. Some veterans and wives of veterans may be able to apply for the VA Aid & Attendance pension to help pay for professional care. Alzheimer’s patients that have a low income and limited assets may be able to apply for financial aid via Florida medicaid. Financial assistance programs help to ensure that all Alzheimer’s patients have access to quality care, regardless of socioeconomic status.