Indianapolis Alzheimer’s Care

Most people have heard of, or know of, someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, this condition affects billions of people across the country. In Indiana alone, more than 100,000 people are affected by this disease. By 2025, it is expected that this number is going to climb to more than 130,000 individuals. Even though this is not exactly a positive outlook, the fact is, there are more resources today, than ever before, to help patients, families, physicians and caregivers when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease.

Indiana has created a state-wide plan regarding Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on residents. This plan outlines the changes that should be made to help those suffering from the disease in the state and how costs and instances related to the disease can be reduced.

Facts about Alzheimer’s in Indiana and Indianapolis

Alzheimer’s disease is a serious condition and one that steals loved ones from their families. It affects a person’s quality of life and is now thought of as a public health issue.

There has been an increase of 74 percent in Alzheimer’s related deaths since 2000.

One in every five Medicare dollars is spent on caring for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This is an amount that is expected to increase to one in every three dollars by 2050.

Almost 2/3 of all people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women.

What to Expect from Alzheimer’s Care?

The care a person with Alzheimer’s disease receives is often based on their particular condition, as well as the severity of it. There are services that provide in-home care, as well as adult day-care programs that ensure a person is looked after and cared for while family members handle other responsibilities during the day. There are also care communities that provide memory care services.

If a memory care community is selected for care, the patient will have a team of professionals who are dedicated to superior care and minimizing the effects of the disease. In these facilities, the patient receives supervision to ensure they do not wander or fall, which can cause significant injuries. Also, in these care communities, the seniors will be involved in social activities that will keep them engaged with the things that are around them. Those in communities are also monitored to ensure they receive plenty to eat and drink, in order to maintain their health and nutrition.

Costs of Alzheimer’s Care in Indianapolis

Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be the most expensive disease that is present in modern society. In 2015 alone, the cost to take care of patients with this condition, as well as other types of dementia was estimated to be approximately $226 billion, with $153 billion being charged to Medicare and Medicaid. In Indiana alone, there are 332,000 caregivers for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s who are providing more than 379 million hours of unpaid care that is valued at over $4 million.

The actual price that a family will pay for Alzheimer’s care for a loved one will be dependent on a number of factors, including the type of care that is needed, their location and the actual size of the person’s living space. On average, with these factors in mind, the cost of memory care in Indianapolis will range from approximately $1,900 up to $6,750 each month.

Paying for Quality Alzheimer’s Care Services

There are a number of forms of assistance for those in Indianapolis who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or who care for a family member who suffers from this condition. One option is insurance. Medicare is the main source of health coverage for those who are over the age of 65. Those who are under the age of 65 are considered to have younger-onset Alzheimer’s and they may be covered by a group employee health plan, retiree medical coverage or private insurance.

Government and Community Assistance for Alzheimer’s Care

In addition to these sources of coverage, there are also other public programs that a person suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s may be eligible for. These programs offer the patient long-term care services and income support.

Also, there are community organizations that provide low-cost and free services to those who qualify. Some of these include respite care, transportation, meals delivered to the home and support groups. The local Alzheimer’s Association chapter can help patients and their families find this type of care service and ensure they receive what they need.