ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND dementia are becoming an increasingly big part of the health care conversation in America as the population ages and more people develop these cognitive ailments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease today, a figure that’s anticipated to nearly triple to 14 million by 2060.
For many people, once dementia has progressed to a certain level, they may need more care than family members can provide and may need to be placed in a long-term care facility – either an assisted living community or a nursing home.
Some of these facilities provide amazing care and support of older adults dealing with cognitive decline or dementia. Others may not. And if you’re considering placing a loved one into an assisted living facility that offers dementia care, the level of expertise in providing such care is an important factor to take into account, when evaluating whether a specific facility is the right one.