Milwaukee Alzheimer’s Care

The memory-robbing Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 4 million people around the word with 100,000 of them living in the state of Wisconsin. It is estimated that 50 percent of the people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have not been diagnosed and that about 50 percent who have been diagnosed are not being treated properly. The fact, is, however, these numbers may be even higher in certain minority communities for a number of reasons.

Even though the number of Alzheimer’s cases are only increasing and slated to almost double in the next decade, there are more resources than ever before to help assist with this disorder. In fact, there are three chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association in the state of Wisconsin, with one being located in Milwaukee.

Facts about Alzheimer’s in Milwaukee

One of the most surprising facts about Alzheimer’s is that it affects many minority groups in Wisconsin. Some of the facts related to this include:

This disease is more common with Hispanics and African American groups than whites, with the current estimates being from only 14 percent to more than 100 percent.

Hispanics and African-Americans are usually diagnosed at the latter stages of the disease, which limits how effective the treatments are.

Hispanics are often more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than other racial and ethnic groups because of a higher prevalence of cases of diabetes, which is a known risk factor associated with Alzheimer’s.

People in various minority communities are underrepresented in regard to existing research.

Types of Care for Alzheimer’s Disease in Milwaukee and Wisconsin

Care for Alzheimer’s disease in Milwaukee takes on a number of shapes and forms. One of the most prevalent types of care is home care. This in-home service is either provided by family members or a trained professional. Both services help to ensure the afflicted individual receives the care they need. There are a large number of in-home care provider families members who never get paid for the care they provide, which results in millions of dollars in services.

Other types of care a person with Alzheimer’s disease can receive is professional facility care. This is a more comprehensive type of care, which also means it is more expensive. However, when a memory care facility is used for Alzheimer’s patients they receive comprehensive care based on their individual needs.

Cost of Memory Care Services in Milwaukee

A study from Genworth Financial, done in 2015, showed that the average cost of memory care services for the state of Wisconsin was $3,980 per month. This monthly rate is higher than neighboring states. It is also more expensive compared to the national average. This cost figure was based on a one-bedroom, private room; however, the cost goes up significantly based on the amenities and luxuriousness of the facility selected.

The cost of care is largely dependent on the individual’s specific needs, where they are located, and the type of care that is selected. There are quite a few options and while it can be costly, these care avenues ensure the person who is suffering from any type of memory care issues receives what they need in terms of care and assistance.

Payment Assistance for Memory Care Services in Milwaukee

There are a number of options to help pay for memory care services in Milwaukee. While many believe that Medicare and Medicaid will automatically pay for these needs, they are shocked to learn this is not always true. As a result, they have to find other methods of payment to minimize the financial blow that this long-term care can cause.

State Assistance Programs

There are quite a few state-managed and state-funded programs that are designed specifically for individuals with a low income. There are also generalized types of programs that are offered to help those who need financial assistance in regard to paying for long-term care for their Alzheimer’s family members.

Medicaid and Waivers

Medicaid is the program, funded federally and on the state level that helps the elderly and their families pay for long-term care. A Medicaid waiver is often necessary in order for a person to receive care outside of a nursing home or assisted living facility. Virtually all of the waivers that are currently available have some type of financial qualification that must be met in order to receive the benefit. Some of the waivers offered include adult day care, assisted living, home care and general waivers for Medicaid.