Denver Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease affects thousands of seniors every year, and this common form of dementia impacts families in Colorado and across the nation. Whether you or someone you love are newly diagnosed or have been living with the disease, you’re not alone. In 2015, Colorado had over 65,000 seniors living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is projected to grow. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a national non-profit organization serving individuals with Alzheimer’s, their families, caregivers and physicians, Colorado can expect to see as many as 92,000 people with the disease in the next decade.

Those numbers are scary, but there is hope. New funding has been approved for research and resources, giving seniors and their families more options than ever before to care for someone with the disease.

In Denver, the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers loads of resources to seniors with Alzheimer’s and their families including educational programs, caregiver support, early diagnosis programs and more.

The Denver Alzheimer’s community offers living options with over three dozen Alzheimer’s care communities, including 3 winners of the SeniorAdvisor.com 2016 Best of Senior Living Award: Springbrooke Retirement and Assisted Living, Village at Lowry, and Brookdale Roslyn.

Alzheimer’s Facts in Denver and in Colorado:

Seniors nationwide are could be impacted by Alzheimer’s and the serious health implications that come with it.

In a 2015 report, 10% of adults over 65 in Colorado have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s was found to be the 6th most common cause of death in Colorado in 2012. This was an 85% in deaths increase since 2000.

In 2014, 234,000 caregivers invested 2.66 million hours in caring for a loved one with the disease.

This unpaid care totaled over $3.243 billion in expenses.

Caregivers in Colorado saw an $128 million dollars higher healthcare cost.

Last year the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hosted 72 support group meetings serving nearly 7,500 people at these meetings.

The local chapter also participated in dozens of community outreach events reaching over 15,000 local residents with information regarding education, awareness and advocacy for Alzheimer’s.

How do you define Alzheimer’s care?

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are three main care options. Home care provided by a skilled and trained provider, an Adult Daycare setting specifically for seniors with memory care needs, and a live-in facility that provides skilled care for those with Alzheimer’s are the most common choices.

It’s important to decide what is the right type and level of care for your loved one. Whether you are having someone come into your home or using and outside facility, be sure to ask questions and discover if the staff are competent, friendly and certified. Check to see if your loved one is comfortable in the surroundings, and ask about any special activities specifically for those with Alzheimer’s.

What does Alzheimer’s care cost in Denver?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter Annual report, Alzheimer’s disease is the only disease on the list of the top 10 cause of death that can not be slowed, cured or prevented, and it’s also the most expensive. Finding out the cost of care for an individual with the disease can depend on a variety of factors including the level of care, your location, what type of insurance you have, and more.

As a baseline, according to the survey conducted by Genworth on the Cost of Care, the average cost of nursing home care in the Denver area for a semi-private room in 2015 was $7,391 per month. For a private room, patients paid around $8,608 per month. These figures were well above the national averages of $6,692 for a semi-private and $7,604 for a private room.

Paying for Alzheimer’s Care in Denver

It is important to consider all of the options when exploring how to pay for Alzheimer’s care for a loved one. Obviously, finding the right care is important, but finding care that is financially viable and the best fit for the caregiver is essential as well. Take the time to research different ways to manage the cost of care to find the fit that is best for you and your family.

Cost Management

Considering a semi-private room with a roommate is one popular way to reduce costs in a nursing home. By examining the figures in the Genworth survey, we see private rooms being over $1,200 per month more expensive than a semi-private room. Over the course of a year that savings totals over $14,600.

Caregivers who decide that keeping their loved ones at home have options too. Adult day programs are popular with dementia patients, allowing caregivers to access respite care and have supervision for their loved ones during the work day. Day programs are less expensive than nursing home care, and can be a great alternative depending on the needs of the senior.

Care Funding

There are a few types of insurance policies that will cover Alzheimer’s care. Long-term care policies are the most common. They will typically cover specialized care for the insured. Reach out to the insurance agent or the provider of the long-term care plan to get details on the coverage and what is included in the policy.

A loved one who is a veteran, or a widow of a veteran who served during a war may be eligible for VA Aid & Attendance to assist with their Alzheimer’s care costs. In Denver, you can reach out to the regional benefits office with questions on eligibility and how to apply. For more information about the A&A program, visit this website.

Medicaid is the primary source of funding for most nursing home patients in Colorado. It is the most common option for seniors nation-wide without long-term care insurance who need Alzheimer’s care but can’t afford to pay for it. The program is administered to low-income seniors with limited assets who apply for assistance. For more detailed information about the Medicaid benefits available in Colorado, visit the Colorado benefits page or visit one of the over 20 assistance sites in the greater Denver area.