How many caregivers are caring for parents with dementia?

Dementia is a serious illness that affects many elderly people around the world. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone you love struggle through memory loss, confusion and other difficulties associated with dementia. As their child, grandchild or another family member, it’s only natural that you’d want to provide them with the care they need in their time of need.

But how many caregivers are actually caring for parents with dementia? This article explores some of the statistics behind caregiving and dementia.

The Growing Problem

As the population ages and life expectancy increases, more cases of dementia are being reported. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, as of 2021 nearly 10% of people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s disease in all regions worldwide except sub-Saharan Africa, where data was not available.

This means there are more children than ever before who are taking on the role of caregiver for a parent suffering from this illness.

Who Is Taking Care Of Them?

It’s estimated that up to 80% []of seniors living with an unmet care need may have cognitive impairment or live with dementia including:
– Stepchildren
– Close friends
– Community volunteers
Caregivers can be anyone who takes on some responsibility for providing care—including spouses/partners, adult children and grandchildren but also extended kin including siblings cousins nieces nephews among others.[^1]

Additionally male ageing adults represent almost three-quarters (72%) those caring unpaid a friend/ neighbour recognize differences compared to women regarding type/duration/quality support[2].

Women Are Typically Primary Caregivers

More often than not though when generalizing trends female offspring bear responsibility having sufficient willingness flexibility sustain services anticipated rationally perceiving negative consequences [3]. Sometimes sons contribute too along similar lines but less extensively so as previously mentioned reasons social economic personality traits which influence service intensity and duration.

It’s suggested some factors which act as predictors to [‘who will likely be a caregiver’ ‘] are:
– Gender
– Marital Status
– Education Level
– Income
[^4]

The Financial Cost of Dementia Care

Providing care for someone with dementia can take its toll—both emotionally and financially. There are many invisible costs that come along with caregiving such as the increased likelihood of depression, social isolation lack-of-paying-job-opportunities,and sleep disturbances[5].

Additionally, while not all caregivers choose to have their parent live at home it is noted doing so risks dropping out from employment opportunities or reducing hours required for extra assisting time [6].

Exactly How Much Does It Add Up To?

In regards to financial implications provided by Alzheimer’s Association, research done in 2021 determined unpaid caregivers compensated health-wise receive approximately ~$512 billion U.S Dollars worth of services annually community-wide (with individual families averaging several thousands dollars per year), while $305 billion comes from direct payments including Medicare and Medicaid expenditures [7]

…Almost makes you wonder buying lottery tickets may potentially pay off better than long-term stocks!

Conclusion

Dementia is a growing problem worldwide. With more elderly individuals developing this illness -more often men than women-, there is an increasing need for caregivers to provide support and comfort. While these numbers continue to grow year over year the betterment lacks behind justifying our current approach raises questions regarding societies outlook towards urgent concerning matters.

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