Today, 76,000 Coloradans are among more than 6 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, if no cure is found, that nationwide total will approach 13 million. Caring for those loved ones day-to-day is one challenge. Preparing for the potentially astronomical costs is yet another.
Financial planners estimate that the average cost of a single year in a nursing home ranges from $90,000 to $100,000. Stays can range from several years up to 10 or more. Unfortunately, the average working-age American’s retirement savings is less than $100,000.
The Alzheimer’s Association is working to help families anticipate and prepare for both the legal and financial challenges that accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis with a free webinar that will be offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28.
“Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s” is an interactive program where participants will learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near them.
Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s is one in a series of live webinars that will be offered at no charge during the month of April. The full schedule for the month includes:
- Understanding and Responding to Dementia-related Behavior (Behavior is a powerful form of communication and one of the primary ways that people with dementia communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language declines. But these behaviors can be challenging for caregivers. Join us to learn how to decode behavioral messages and learn strategies to intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges.) – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15.
- Effective Communication Strategies (This workshop teaches caregivers to decode verbal and behavioral communication from someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Develop strategies for having meaningful connection with people in differing stages of dementia.) – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13; and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21.
- Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research (An overview of Alzheimer’s disease science and the latest advances in research to find a prevention, treatment and cure.) – 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 14.
- Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research (We’ve always known that the health of the brain and body are linked, but now science is able to provide insights into how we can optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.) – 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 20.
- COVID-19 and Caregiving – (Caring for someone living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers can put in place whether the person living with dementia lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.) – 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 26.
- Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s (An interactive program where you’ll learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources near you.) – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Care Partners – Early Stage – Part 1 – (In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This 3-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 12.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Care Partners – Early Stage – Part 2 – (In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This 3-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 19.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Care Partners – Early Stage – Part 3 – (In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made? What resources are available to help? This 3-part program provides practical answers to the questions that arise in the early stage. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you can do to cope with the changes that come with an early-stage diagnosis.) – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 26.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stage – Part 1 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stage – Part 2 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stage – Part 3 – (In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were care partners now become hands-on caregivers. Join us for this 3-part series and hear caregivers and professionals discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective and comfortable care in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s.) – 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29.
Like all programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association, the webinars are offered at no charge, but registration is required. To register, click here or call the free Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900. To learn more about Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, go to
alz.org.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.