Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects many people in different ways. Mostly and simply, it takes your memory, then slowly robs you of the rest of your health over time. Memories and recognition of loved ones becomes fleeting. Over time the person you loved, does not recognize you. They may even be physically healthy, which is more painful, as it prolongs your agony. The person afflicted does not know they don’t know.
The cost of care is very high, with fulltime care running into the $5-10,000 per month range. Medicare does not cover this extended care, but long term health care insurance does. It might be worth checking out. The costs are high financially and especially emotionally.
So why should you care? Well if you plan on getting old, you may be prone to this dreaded disease. 50% of people over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease. With the cost mentioned above the quality of life of the surviving spouse or child often follows a downward trajectory. The emotional pain, of your loved one of many decades, not recognizing you, can be the worst burden to bear,if you are financially healthy enough. Often times the afflicted spouse drags down the health of the healthy, leaving a heavy burden for the children.
So if you don’t do it for your own health, consider supporting this worthy cause as it may save the life of your parents or grand parents. Please consider at donation to rid us of this dreadful disease. Their quality of life will improve your quality of life.
We are having a walk, the Alzheimers Memory Walk to raise funds to eradicate the disease. Please consider a donation. You can do it on line at my Santa Cruz real estate site, or go to http://www.alz.org/norcal/ and start your own team.
Better hurry as it is this weekend on Saturday the 27th at the Seascape Park in Aptos, Ca. That does not mean that you can’t contribute or make an estate or matching gift. Please consider it. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist ( SRES) I try to help families find care and housing in the Santa Cruz Real Esate market. You can call me at 831-818-7524. I’ll gladly come by and pick up your monetary donation. Thank you.