Caring for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia-related Diseases

Currently more than 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s and every 66 seconds someone develops the disease.  As the county’s 6th leading cause of death, more people die from Alzheimer’s disease than breast cancer and prostate disease.  Also by 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 138 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease.  Experts predict that this year the disease will costs the U.S. $236 billion, and as the number of people afflicted with the disease grows, so will the costs. 

One of the other facts regarding Alzheimer’s is the enormous toll it takes on family caregivers.  The Alzheimer’s Association reports that according to studies: “Nearly 60 percent of Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high; about 40 percent suffer from depression; and one in five care contributors cut back on their own doctor visits because of their care responsibilities.”     

Furthermore, since approximately 34 percent of caregivers are 65 years or older, many report they are concerned about maintaining their own health while undertaking the duties of caregiving. Along with depression, other common signs of caregiver burnout include exhaustion, anger, sleeplessness, anxiety, social withdrawal, irritability, anxiety and other health problems.  In fact the author of a recent report by Alzheimer’s Disease International, Dr. Martin Prince, states that, “Compared with other long-term care user, those with dementia need more personal care, more hours of care, and more supervision, all of which is associated with greater strain on caregivers.”

At the MorningStar at Arrowhead’s senior living community, we offer 25 beautiful suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our progressive methods leverage the power of aromatherapy, dance, music, art, and animals to heal and comfort residents, and we are equipped to care for individuals in the early stages right through to the most advanced phases.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:alz.org/, alz.co.uk/research/WorldAlzheimerReport2015-sheet.pdf