Dementia Care Coach Corner: Written by Beth Shoemaker, LCSW
Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect someone’s ability to manage their daily lives independently. They might need help with medications, transportation, meals, and daily activities as the disease moves along. This means they will need someone available for support.
Resources to Consider
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover the cost for day-to-day support needed for people living with dementia. This means establishing a balanced routine for everyone involved will likely be an out-of-pocket cost. But the good news is there are resources available like in-home care or adult day centers that offer activities and socialization. And for others it may be residential care facilities that provide daily care coordination.
Another cost that is considered less is the supplies and products that may be necessary. Examples of these include a subscription to a personal emergency response system, incontinence supplies, medical equipment for the home, or entertainment products. Check with the insurance plan to determine if the items may be covered.
Healthcare & Other Costs of Caregiving
There are some scenarios where there may be coverage for care costs. Those who have long-term care insurance would receive help in covering the costs of care through their plan. Also, some veterans may be eligible for financial assistance or home care services and those with Medi-Cal insurance.
Our healthcare system is not set up in a way to provide full support to families who are facing dementia. The responsibility of caregiving tends to be put onto the family. This might be a member of the family becoming a full-time caregiver. That could mean quitting a job to be available for care needs as the disease progresses or limiting work hours. The cost of this is hard to calculate, but a national estimate believes Americans are providing $350 billion in unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease annually. According to a recent study, the cost of care for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia is three times more than for someone over 65 without dementia. However, Medicare dollars spent were the same for both groups. On a positive note, there are efforts in the government to provide financial relief to family caregivers in the form of a caregiver tax credit. We will remain hopeful for that bill to pass.
Luckily, here in San Diego we have free support services for families facing this terrible disease. You are not alone.
A huge thank you to all those family care partners who provide endless hours of compassion and care for those living with dementia. We are forever grateful for your efforts and sacrifices. You are a hero.
Find out what options are available regarding your situation, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our dementia experts who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
Our “Dementia Care Coach Corner” series is where our team of dementia experts weigh in on unique topics and provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.
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Posted on March 27th, 2025
