Alzheimer's Association Launches New Web Tool to Help Individuals and Families Find Best Care Options
Millions of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease are faced with the challenge of finding good care for themselves or their loved ones. To support them, the Alzheimer's Association has developed a unique Web tool that helps individuals find the right care options, from home and community-based care, to assisted living and nursing home care.
The Alzheimer's Association CareFinder™ has a special feature that allows individuals and families to input personalized information, special needs, abilities and preferences, and receive a customized summary report with care recommendations and specific questions to ask potential care providers based on the profile.
Today, Alzheimer's disease affects 4.5 million people in the United States and as baby boomers age that number could increase to as many as 16 million people by 2050. Seven out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home, cared for by family and friends. Every day, 150,000 older Americans attend adult day care facilities – 50 percent of them have some form of cognitive impairment. More than half of assisted living and nursing home residents in the U.S. have some form of dementia.
"The good news is that there are more care options available today but that also means that finding the right care options can be daunting and very complicated," said Dr. Laurel Coleman, geriatric physician and Alzheimer's Association national board member. "The Alzheimer's Association CareFinder, a first of its kind interactive tool, empowers individuals and their families to find the care they need and anticipate their care needs in the future."
In addition to providing customized care recommendations, the Alzheimer's Association CareFinder also provides detailed information on a variety of issues surrounding care options, including:
- Planning Ahead – A diagnosis of Alzheimer's in the early stages of the disease does not mean that a person cannot make decisions so it is important that the individual participate in the decision-making process as much as possible about their future care, legal and financial planning.
- Care Options – Individuals with dementia have unique care needs and there are many types of care available. The CareFinder defines and outlines the types of care available, and informs families so they can determine what care is needed for their loved ones.
- Coordinating Care – Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can involve several types of care providers from physicians to in-home assistance to long-term care, such as assisted living and nursing homes. The CareFinder offers advice on how families can remain engaged in the care of their loved ones, communicate with doctors and other care providers to address changing needs such as moving a loved one to a long-term care residence.
- Support and Resources – Various support programs are available to help people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 is available 24/7. The CareFinder includes Web links to other resources such as the Eldercare Locator and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
About the Alzheimer's Association:
The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For more than 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.
The Alzheimer's Association's vision is a world without Alzheimer's and its dual mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers.
Contact
Alzheimer's Association
Media line: 1.312.335.4078
E-mail: media@alz.org
