New Report: Florida Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Face Significant Challenges 

The burden of Alzheimer’s and other dementias weighs heavily on Florida family caregivers and those across the country, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. 

Last year, more than 840,000 Florida family members and friends provided 1.3 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $24.4 billion. Florida dementia caregivers also reported significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as a result of caregiving, including:

• 66.4% of Florida dementia caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
• 28.6% reported depression.
• 13.6% reported frequent poor health.

Dave Rohee is a caregiver for his wife, Katy. He shared the impact that being a caregiver has had on him.

“It’s affected me considerably,” Rohee said. “The pressure and the stress of dealing with somebody undergoing memory loss has been extremely difficult to deal with. It’s a 24/7 scenario where you’re always worried.”

Rohee was recommended to seek therapy, and he did.

“The therapy is more personal. It’s about me trying to deal with my own feelings and health.”

 According to the new report, 83% of the help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. Nearly half of all caregivers (48%) who provide help to older adults do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Nationwide, there are an estimated 11.5 million caregivers providing unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Last year, these caregivers provided 18.4 billion hours of care valued at nearly $347 billion.

Rohee has felt the financial burden himself. 

“I’m doing all the shopping, all the cooking, and there is no financial support really for any caregiver in that sense,” he said. “That would be a great boost. Because if I have to get somebody in at home when I have to leave for a few hours or whatever, that’s $30 an hour. It’s a struggle. I don’t think this whole industry is aware of what’s going on on the financial side of things.”

Understanding how Alzheimer’s and other dementia progress can help caregivers anticipate disease-related changes and provide opportunities to explore caregiving options and resources in their local communities. In the wake of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, it is important for caregivers to think about care as a continuum. The average life expectancy following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four-eight years, but some individuals can live with the disease longer, up to 20 years. Caregivers are encouraged to reassess care decisions and options regularly.

Rohee shared that support groups have been a great help for him.

“I’m in three different support groups right now,” he said. “We’re also in a couples support group, which has been somewhat beneficial for Katy as well. But the real scenario for support is getting with other caregivers. And the Association has been really helpful, and the people that are the facilitators have done an excellent job. So that’s been a major support.”

While caregiving for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia can be stressful, the Alzheimer’s Association website has robust information about caregiving throughout the disease continuum, various care options and resources to help with financial and legal planning. The Florida chapters of the Association provides local programs and support groups across the state.

To learn more about the resources available for caregivers and families or to learn more about the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, visit alz.org.