The Painful Reality of Dealing with Dementia Patients

The Burden on Caregivers

One in three senior Americans die with some form of dementia. More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. And that number represents only the direct sufferers of the disease; the family, friends, loved ones, and caregivers who surround the afflicted number in the tens of millions. As the boomer generation ages, the consequences of the disease – and dementia in general – will rise exponentially.

The Heavy Toll

The reality of managing the care and financial affairs of an elderly parent or spouse with diminished mental capacity can be a nightmare, as the attached discussion examines. Seniors who had such command of all aspects of their life gradually (and sometimes almost suddenly) lose their grasp and fail at tasks they formerly accomplished so easily and independently. It’s heartbreaking for those nearest them, and sadly, leaves them prey for swindlers. Increasingly, tales of exploitation and abuse are all too common.

The demands of caring for dementia victims are so great that often families need to employ outsiders as caregivers. The costs of care are great. Studies reveal that sixty percent of families wind up using some of their own funds to cover the cost of care for a senior loved one. But, sadly, the risk of some type of abusive or exploitative perhaps even greater and the costs to the family of financial abuse may far exceed the costs of care. Use extreme caution in selecting caregivers and monitor your loved one’s life closely when he or she is in a stranger’s care.

The Bottom Line

The reality of dementia is painful to all connected with the afflicted loved one. The care demands may far exceed what you can do. It’s a difficult and painful place to be. Seek help and advice from friends and professionals. They are people who are ready to help.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has questions about caregiver fraud or suspects abuse on a senior in San Francisco County or in any California county, contact the Evans Law Firm elder attorneys at (415) 441-8669, or by email at info@evanslaw.com. Our attorneys have experience with all varieties of elder abuse. We can help guide your case through a jury trial or toward an equitable settlement. We handle cases involving physical and financial elder abuse, qui tam and whistleblower law, nursing home abuse, whole life insurance and universal life insurance, and indexed, variable, and fixed annuities.