There were 39.6 million individuals in the U.S. over 65 years old in 2009. In roughly twenty years that number is expected to increase to 72.1 million. At that point the senior population will constitute roughly 19% of the total American populace. The changing demographics are placing significant strain on public Medicare and Medicaid resources. That is why many observers have focused more attention on the ways that outside not-for-profit groups are working to help seniors in need. Our New York elder law attorneys realize that tremendous good work is performed by so many local groups on these issues. It remains unclear if public programs will be able to fully handle the influx of seniors, and it is likely that local nonprofit groups will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that particularly vulnerable elderly community members receive the care they need.
A new Western Edition article recently summarized some organizations that provide various types of aid to seniors. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading organization raising awareness of this cognitive disease that affects so many local residents. Beyond advocating for support in research, the organization provides patient and family services to help those dealing with the effects of the condition which causes memory, thinking, and behavior challenges. The agency has a 24-hour a day help line where families can call for information and referrals.
5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and the number is expected to more than triple in the next few decades. It is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Our elder law attorneys have worked with many families whose loved ones are dealing with various stages of the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than $210 billion worth of unpaid care is currently being supplied by family members helping loved ones with different forms of dementia.
The Association reminds local residents that diagnosis is often delayed because the elderly and their family members mistake signs of the dementia as a “senior moment.” In reality, the incident may be part of a serious cognitive condition. In the New York elder law context, failure to adequately notice these signs often means that proper planning is delayed. Dealing with the condition is much more difficult when health and legal affairs are not handled until the mental condition has deteriorated.
To learn more about these issues, please take a look at the Alzheimer’s Association website or call their hotline at 1-800-272-3900.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
The Spread of Alzheimer’s: What We Know
Family Input Can Lead to Earlier Dementia Detection