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Senior News May, 2005 Vol. 24. No. 5
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
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Vets with Alzheimer's Adult Day Health Services provide support by Jamie Kerr "Current research has suggested that the real costs of treating Alzheimer's disease might not be as high as previously estimated," said Henry Glick, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Glick found that many studies estimating the cost of Alzheimer's disease care are based on the costs at major research centers "where every patient is receiving every available treatment." In that setting, treatment costs about $30,000 to $40,000 a year. But Glick said that when he studied real-world data collected from a national sample of more than 1,557 patients followed over 15 years, he discovered that the "true" costs for Alzheimer's care are much lower: about $9,700 for a man and about $16,300 for a woman. This amount still represents a significant impact on the limited budget of many veterans. Glick said the care for women is higher because women are more likely to require nursing home care, possibly because they have outlived spouses or family members who could care for them at home. Glick added that costs for Alzheimer's-related care increase over time; and if someone survives for 10 years after diagnosis, the annual care cost is likely to be between $20,000 and $30,000. The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs has expressed concerns that with the inevitable increase in proportion of older veterans and the increased prevalence of dementia at more advanced ages, the care of veterans with cognitive impairment is a significant concern. Based on national prevalence rates applied to the veteran population, in 2004 there were an estimated 528,000 veterans with dementia, including 218,000 who are enrolled for VA health care and 136,000 who receive VA health care services. Veterans with dementia who receive care from VA's network of health care facilities participate in the full range of health care services, including adult day health services, home and community-based care, outpatient clinics, hospitals and nursing home programs. Many veterans and their caregivers have found much- needed respite and support through our local Adult Day Health Services (ADHS) programs. These programs offer a safe and caring alternative to nursing home care for those who do not need 24-hour skilled nursing. They are designed to help people stay mentally and physically active and reduce isolation. Adult day services are community-based group programs that support individuals and families by providing a variety of social and health services. To find out if you are eligible for these services through the VA, contact your local ADHS program. Additional information on Alzheimer's disease and related caregiver issues are available from the Adult Day Health Services and Alzheimer's Day Care and Resource Center in Eureka, 444-8254 ext. 206 or 207. SOURCES: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) veterans' health administration (VHA) update on VA dementia initiatives, 2004. William Thies, Ph.D., vice president for medical and scientific affairs, Alzheimer's Association. Henry Glick, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine, School of Medicine, Univ. of Pennsylvania. Jamie Kerr is Alzheimer's care support liaison for the Alzheimer's Resource Center, a program of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center. |
Senior News