Families provide at least 80% of all long term care - an enormous contribution to the long term care system. In North Carolina, 1.7 million adults are caring for an older person - more than 28% of the adult population. Over 40% of North Carolina caregivers take care of someone with a memory disorder like Alzheimer's disease. Their "care-giving career" will last an average of 8 years, but may last as long as 20.
One in ten Americans say that they have a family member with Alzheimer's & one in three know someone with the disease. Alzheimer's disease is now the fifth leading cause of death in the US following heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, & chronic lower respiratory diseases.
In North Carolina alone, an estimated 132,000 have the disease. Over the next 20 years, this number is expected to increase to 253,000 residents. More than 70% of people with Alzheimer's disease live at home & are cared for by family & friends.
Here in Franklin County, North Carolina on November 8 from 5:45 - 7pm you are invited to attend "Candlelight Reflections" on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse. For more information you can email me through the "comments" link or you can contact your local area Alzheimer's Association Chapter, or your regional area Agency on Aging & ask about other National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month & Family Caregiver Month activities & programs.
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