Phoenix Alzheimer’s Care

Every 67 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to 2014 statistics. More than 78,000 people in Arizona suffer with this debilitating disease. Caregivers are often family members or friends devoting unpaid time for their loved one. The disease has no cure at this time and the rate of newly diagnosed cases is rising.

The Central Arizona Regional Office of the Alzheimer’s Association offers support and education to patients and caregivers. They offer several programs, including CarePRO, a series of workshops aimed to educate caregivers. Other early-stage workshops and community education programs are available. The goal of the chapter is to educate the community on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, early detection and care, and resource awareness.

SeniorAdvisor.com reports there are 34 senior living options available in the Phoenix area. Five of these communities won the 2016 Best of Senior Living Award: Senior Care Management Solutions LLC, Cerna Homecare, Pacifica Senior Living Paradise Valley, The Sanctuary of Phoenix, and Paradise Village Senior Living.

Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease in Arizona Including Phoenix

As the disease continues to progress, it not only affects the quality of life for the patient, but for the caregiver.

The estimated rate of increase for new Alzheimer’s disease cases in Arizona is 60% by the year 2020 compared to 2009.

The disease is more prevalent in females compared to males and this trend is estimated to continue. Approximately 67,186 females aged 70 and older will have the disease in 2020 compared to 34,191 males.

As many as 200,000 people in Arizona may be diagnosed with the disease by 2025.

2,383 Arizona residents died from the disease in 2013.

In 2014, the hours of unpaid care for Alzheimer’s patients was 3.6 million. This equates to $4.3 billion.

The Basics of Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s care is available for those patients in early-stage, middle-stage, or late-stage progression. The care can be in-home, adult day centers, or residential care in a facility like a nursing home or assisted living facility. In early-stage, the patient is able to function independently and may only need small reminders about daily tasks from a caregiver. The middle-stage caregiving can last for many months or years as dementia progresses. This will require more responsibility from a caregiver, including helping the patient get dressed and meeting the demands of a patient losing the ability to communicate. The late-stage progression needs intensive 24-hour care as the patient may have difficulty eating and swallowing and will need help with personal care and walking. At this stage, many patients are confined to a wheelchair.

At any stage, the patient will need supervision and a familiar routine and surroundings. Social activities with other senior citizens will keep the patient engaged and possibly delay later stages. According to a recent review of 15 studies, cognitively stimulating activities improved the scores on memory and thinking tests, “equivalent to about a six to nine month delay in worsening of symptoms.”

Managing Care Costs in Phoenix, AZ

The 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports a range of costs throughout Arizona. If you are looking for a home health aide to help during the early-stage in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area, the rate averages $20 per hour. Adult day centers charge $77 per day on average and assisted living facilities charge a median rate of $3,250 per month.

Nursing homes are considered an option during the later stages of disease progression. A semi-private one-bedroom, single occupancy room averages $193 per day or $70,263 each year. A private room averages $223 per day or $81,213 each year. As the number of new cases increase during the next five to ten years the averages will rise dramatically.

The cost of care will vary depending on the patient’s location in Arizona and the type of care needed. Many families must resort to using money from a savings account or from investments.

There are several ways to manage the cost of Alzheimer’s care for your loved one. For most seniors Medicare is the primary insurance used today. Arizona’s Medicaid program can also be used if the patient qualifies. These can be combined with a private insurance from the patient’s employer. Retirement benefits, including IRAs and annuities could be an option for the patient to manage the cost.

If the patient served in the military or their spouse, they may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance. This benefit may help pay for personal care in a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community, or living at home with a caregiver.

Research and compare the best type of all time or care options available before committing to one.