Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services is teaming up with the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter (AADVC) to offer a new statewide plan to address the needs of the 14,000 Delawareans over 65 now living with Alzheimer's Disease.
DHSS Secretary Rita Langraf says the plan is needed because those numbers are expected to rise 33 percent by 2025, thanks to rapid growth of the state’s older population, projected to double between 2000 and 2030 to more than 250,000.
"So because of that we do have to look at ‘How do we create better services, a more comprehensive health-care delivery system?’ as well as ‘How do we provide this level of support for caregivers?’"
A task force was formed in early 2012 and developed the plan to help the state cope with the significant financial, emotional and physical costs to the health care system and caregivers - now and in the future.
"Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases impact each person differently," Landgraf said. "There's no common protocols that are in place, because it's a very individualized disease."
The State Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders identifies five goals, with objectives and strategies aimed at achieving those goals:
- Promote public awareness
- Improve delivery of services to patients/persons
- Strengthen support of caregivers
- Achieve an Alzheimer's-competent workforce in Delaware
- Support the creation of Delaware Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (DECARD)
Special priority is being placed on support of caregivers, almost two thirds of which nationwide have called the emotional stress they incur high or very high.
Wilmington resident Patricia Mulrooney, says taking care of her mother who is living with Alzheimer's can be an unsettling experience.
"It changes on a daily basis. Its a roller coaster all the time," she said. "This weekend she had wonderful days, but we know that it could change at any time."
In 2012 informal caregivers in Delaware have contributed over 58 million hours of unpaid care to family or friends with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, and $37 million in additional health care costs.
Mulrooney and her husband Charles also had to purchase a new house to adequately care for her mother. Due to the poor economy, they are having trouble renting or selling their first home, and are forced to carry two mortgages in the duration. Charles says the financial stress of out-of-pocket costs adds to the uncertainty of the day to day care.
"We're strapped," he said. "There's no doubt about it we're financially strapped, and hopefully it's going to get better, but it's been a burden."
AADVC is coordinating with DHSS's Division of Services for Aging Adults with Physical Disabilities to bring the plan's goals to fruition, and are already encountering eager partners.
As part of the Christiana Care Health System, The Swank Memory Center in Wilmington provides comprehensive outpatient services for those with memory disorders and their families.
Dr. Michael Rosenthal, Chair of Family and Community Medicine of Christiana Care, says the Swank Center is auspiciously able to help with implementing the goals of the plan.
"We're in an opportune position to help people understand the need for evaluation," said Dr. Rosenthal."There is an opportunity for support and care, treatment, and working with people in their disease states - and also their families - to help do better with their illness and cope with it much better."
Swank Center Medical Director Dr. David Simpson says they are constantly in communication with a variety of entities to ensure they coordinate proper care of elderly Alzheimer's patients, who can likely be living with other serious health concerns. He feels that utilizing modern technologies will provide another avenue to do just that.
"Either we're going to have to expand our services or go to Telemedicine and work with groups throughout the state," Said Dr. Simpson. "As the population grows and our needs grow, it's definitely something that we have to think about."
Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Katie Macklin feels the state’s unique aspects will ensure that entities like The Swank Center will help achieve the goals of the plan.
“The beauty of Delaware is that we are a small state, and there are so many in our community who are willing to step forth and work together," Macklin said. "And it’s all about maximizing the current services - the resources that are already out there in the community and how best we can use those resources.”
