PISSBURGH (TNS) — An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for both patients and their loved ones. It also can cause stress and burnout for the friends and family members caring for people with Alzheimer’s.
In Pennsylvania, an estimated 280,000 residents aged 65 and older are living with the disease. That number is expected to grow to 320,000 by 2025, according to a new report by the Alzheimer’s Association.
As the number of Alzheimer’s patients increases, so too will the need for care. About 401,000 Pennsylvanians currently serve as unpaid caregivers to family members with Alzheimer’s according to the report, released March 15.
”The burden of Alzheimer’s on individuals, their families and especially the caregivers, is huge,” said Sara Murphy, vice president of programs and services at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. “This is unsustainable.”
As symptoms of the disease worsen over time, it can take an emotional toll on friends and family members who act as caregivers. Caregivers can experience emotional stress and depression, health problems associated with the physical aspects of caregiving and financial issues related to paying for health care or other services for themselves and people living with Alzheimer’s.
”We’re finding that emotional stress in dementia care is often due to the increased rate of health complications among caregivers,” Ms. Murphy said.
Among caregivers in Pennsylvania, 62% reported having at least one chronic condition, 24% reported depression and 16% said they were frequently in poor health, according to the report.
The report also examined the impact of COVID-19 on Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.
During the pandemic, family members and friends who provide care for people with Alzheimer’s faced higher rates of fatigue and burnout. Accessing services and support for themselves and the people they provide care for also was a challenge.
”The COVID-19 pandemic also has created a crisis for dementia caregivers,” Ms. Murphy said.
The report called for bolstering the health care workforce to handle the growing number of Alzheimer’s patients. Shortages in the workforce could affect patient care.
There are 165,900 home health and personal care aides in Pennsylvania, and the report estimates that 210,460 will be needed by 2028 to serve the growing number of Alzheimer’s patients. Across the state, there currently are just 273 geriatricians, doctors specializing in treating older patients. Hundreds more will likely be needed in the coming years, the report said.
