For the families of the 6.2 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s, including 76,000 Coloradans, one of the most dreaded questions is “how much will it cost to get qualified care for my loved one?”
The simple answer is: a lot – and likely more than most families have anticipated. A semi-private room in a nursing home averages about $93,000 per year. A private room: about $106,000. As for in-home care, the cost for 40 hours per week of care by a non-medical home health aide is nearly $1,000.
To help families anticipate these financial challenges and explore options for care, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free webinar: Legal & Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s. Scheduled for both Jan. 27 and Feb. 22, the webinar is one in a series of free programs offered by the Association in January and February. The full schedule for the months includes:
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia (Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the differences between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, risk factors, current research, treatments to address some symptoms and more.) – 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3.
- The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease (Learn about the 10 common warning signs, what to watch for in yourself and others, typical age-related changes, the benefits of a diagnosis, early detection and more.) – 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 6; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7.
- 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.) – 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 7; and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8.
- Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors – (Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. Join us to learn to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.) – 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 13; and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.
- Dementia Conversations (Tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, when to stop driving, and making legal/financial plans.) – 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 14.
- 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.) – 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 27; and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – 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.) – noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – 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.) – noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Middle Stages – 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.) – noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16.
- Advancing the Science (Alzheimer's is a global health problem with more than 6 million people living with the disease in the U.S. alone. Tremendous gains have been made in the understanding of the science and basic biology underlying Alzheimer's and other dementias. Learn basic facts and figures regarding Alzheimer's and other dementias, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementia, why early detection and diagnosis are important, better understand some of the ways biomarkers are used in dementia research, and learn about advances in clinical trials, treatments and/or lifestyle interventions.) – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Late Stages – Part 1 (In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.) – noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23.
- Living with Alzheimer’s: for Caregivers – Late Stages – Part 2 (In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. In this 2-part series, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.) – noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24.
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 24/7 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.