Madison Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just impact the people who are diagnosed, it affects their friends, family and loved ones as well. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed in Madison, you’ll find a large support structure and network of those also impacted by the disease. In 2015, over 110,000 seniors in Wisconsin were living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. In the coming years, the Alzheimer’s Association projects that as many as 130,000 Wisconsin residents will have the disease by 2025.

Even the bravest fighter could be scared of those figures, but in recent years, there is more hope than ever. Recent funding has been granted for more research and additional resources for seniors with the disease, allowing for loads of options to help better manage the disease and the care of a loved one.

In Madison, the South-Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a branch of the national non-profit who works with individuals, their families, caregivers, and physicians, has dozens of resources. Whether you’re looking for educational programs, support groups, or community resources, the Alzheimer’s Association can get you connected.

When it comes to Alzheimer’s care, there are nearly 20 different options in the Madison area, including 3 winners of the prestigious SeniorAdvisor.com 2016 Best of Senior Living Award: BrightStar Senior Living, Brookdale Madison West, and Oakwood Village University Woods.

Alzheimer’s Facts in Madison and in Wisconsin:

Alzheimer’s disease affects seniors nationwide. There are serious health implications for those diagnosed with the disease.

In 2015, a report indicated that 12% of adults over age 65 in Wisconsin are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s was the 6th most common cause of death in Wisconsin in 2012.

In 2014, 191,000 individual people gave 2.18 million hours to caregiving for someone with the disease.

Those hours totaled over $2.650 billion in unpaid care expenses.

Caregivers had an estimated $127 million increased cost of healthcare in Wisconsin.

In January of 2016, University of Wisconsin researchers say they’ve found a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in testing on mice.

There are over 500 open studies for Alzheimer’s research nationwide.

What is the common definition of Alzheimer’s care?

Seniors with Alzheimer’s have unique care needs, and generally speaking, there are three main types of care options. One is home care, which is provided in a home setting by a licensed provider who is trained in working with seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Another option is Adult Daycare, an out of the home care option that allows the caregiver time for work or respite. Finally, there are residential care faculties that provide 24-hour skilled care for seniors with the disease.

As every senior is different, it will be important to evaluate their situation to best understand which level of care is appropriate. Take the time to research facilities in your area and ensure that your loved one is comfortable in whichever atmosphere you choose. Check to ensure the staff is certified, friendly, and approachable.

How much will you pay for Alzheimer’s care in Madison?

As a nation, we spend over $226 billion annually in caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s care is expensive, and determining the exact cost for you and your loved one can vary depending on the type of care, your insurance, your geographic location, and other factors.

For some general figures, Genworth conducted a survey in 2015 on the Cost of Care and found that in Madison the median cost of nursing home care with a semi-private room was $7,239 per month. For a private room, patients paid around $7,916 per month. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $6,692 for a semi-private and $7,604 for a private room.

Options for Paying for Alzheimer’s Care in Madison

Everyone wants what is best for their loved ones, but funding Alzheimer’s care can be overwhelming. There are several options to help to manage the cost of care, as well as rescues that could help to pay for a portion of the expense. It is important to take the time to find the right fit to ensure the best possible care without financial strain on the family.

Cost Management

If a nursing home is the best fit for your family member or loved one, choosing a semi-private room can cut the cost of care. In Madison, we see the cost of a private room is near $700 per month more expensive on average than a semi-private room with a roommate. By choosing a semi-private option, you could save over $8,000 per year on care costs.

Another more affordable option to consider is at-home care. Caregivers who choose to provide care in their homes for loved ones can take advantage of Adult Day programs during working hours or for caregiver respite. These programs allow seniors to interact in a supervised environment during the day and are typically much more affordable than nursing home care. Check out facilities like the Adult Day Center in Madison, funded by Catholic Charities.

Care Funding

A specialized long-term care insurance policy is one common way of funding Alzheimer’s disease care. If your loved one has a policy, contact the carrier or the agent to understand the plan, what it pays for, and what is included in the coverage.

VA Aid & Attendance may be available to cover some Alzheimer’s care costs to any veteran or the widow of a veteran who was active duty during a wartime. In Wisconsin, you can contact the regional benefits office located in Milwaukee for full eligibility criteria and to apply for assistance. For more information about the A&A program, visit this website.

Medicaid is the primary source of funding for many nursing home patients in Wisconsin. The government program is the most common option for seniors who can’t afford to pay for long-term care and is granted to low-income seniors with limited assets who apply. To apply or to determine if you are eligible, visit the Wisconsin benefits page or contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center in your area.