As the Number of People with Dementia Grows, So Does the Need for Caregiver Support.
Thursday September 17, 2015 - Jennifer Prell
On August 25th, The Chicago Tribune reported
a troubling statistic about the rapidly growing incidence of dementia.
According to that story, researchers from Alzheimer’s Disease International
have found “there are now nearly 47 million people living with dementia
globally, up from 35 million in 2009.” If no cure, effective prevention or
breakthrough treatment is developed, these numbers are likely to double every
two decades.
If there are 47 million people living with dementia,
just imagine how many global caregivers there are. Whether they are spouses,
children, siblings or friends, non-professional caregivers bear weighty
responsibilities. While the role of a caregiver can be rewarding, it is
indisputably difficult. Forty-seven million people living with dementia means
there are likely more than 47 million people struggling to care for their loved
ones and cope themselves, as well as a large number of older adults who are
trying to survive without a caregiver.
Chicagoans don't just
need to "adopt legislation to ensure better treatment for people with the
disease," as the article says. We also need to explore ways to offer more
support to the many caregivers impacted.
There are many ways
communities can become more accommodating to the needs of an ever-growing
population of caregivers. For example, local businesses should consider
offering special discounts to caregivers to show our appreciation for their
hard work that typically goes uncompensated. Employers can improve flex time
and paid leave benefits to include caring for family members of any age. Counseling
and mental health professionals should consider specialized services to better
meet the needs of family caregivers. And perhaps most importantly, community
organizations should make caregiver support groups more readily available.
For
more support:
If you’re a caregiver yourself or know someone who
could use extra support, consider our Dealing
with Dementia support and resource group, which meets
from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on the first Wednesday of every month. A support group can
offer new perspectives and strategies for dealing with the daily challenges of caregiving,
and important information to help you and your loved one. If you have specific questions about the
programming and services CMSS offers to the Chicagoland community, feel free to
contact CMSS’ Tricia Mullin by phone or email at 773-596-2296 or Mullin@cmsschicago.org.