Dementia is still a problem.

With all the problems across the globe in 2020, it was easy to forget about dementia. Unless your mom was becoming more and more forgetful. Or your spouse was just diagnosed. Or you weren’t able to go visit dad with all the COVID restrictions, and you worried about him even remembering you when you could visit again. While it didn’t make the daily news, dementia is still a problem.

“The COVID-19 outbreak amplifies the daily challenges caregivers face as a result of the varied and evolving restrictions and mandates put in place to keep communities safe. For caregivers, these orders could precipitate feelings of loneliness, intensify social isolation, and increase levels of caregiver stress because of social-distancing efforts.” (1)

Two times as many caregivers indicate substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties.
Caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to have high levels of stress hormones, reduced immune function, slow wound healing, new hypertension, and new heart disease. (2)

The cost of nursing home care is four times the cost of day center care.
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows nursing home care costs up to $156,000 per year in 2020. Depending on your level of care, 5 days a week at Insight is just under $36,000 per year - less than a quarter of the cost for families. (3)

44% reported that COVID had a negative impact on the person living with dementia.
This could include worsening symptoms, lack of mental stimulation, disrupted routines, or reduced visits from family and friends. (4)

60% of dementia caregivers who report experiencing anxiety symptoms.
We know that caregivers are stressed from daily demands, so it’s not surprising that COVID intensifies this. These caregivers are not just stressed, but now facing anxiety symptoms. (5)

The pandemic didn’t put dementia on hold. Learn more about Insight’s response in this year’s annual report.
 

(1) Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Community-Dwelling Caregivers and Persons With Dementia

(2) Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures

(3) Genworth Cost of Care Survey

(4) (5) Impact of COVID-19 on Dementia Caregivers and Factors Associated With their Anxiety Symptoms