One caregiver we spoke with in Washington State was appalled at how often Dementia patients are left alone to fend for themselves. “It’s not unusual to enter their home, and they’ve forgotten you’re coming, or worse, it appears as if no one has checked up on them for weeks.” said one caregiver.
“It’s like their families have ignored or forgotten about them and left them to their own devices, with often disastrous results.” she continued.
Research indicates that around half of dementia patients struggle with daily tasks like bathing, cooking, shopping, taking medications, and managing finances, yet only one-third receive help with at least one of these activities. This is appalling! Imagine your grandmother or parents struggling to prepare a healthy meal safely without burning themselves or burning the house down!
Compared to other older adults living alone, those with cognitive impairment tend to be older, more likely to be women, and disproportionately Black or Latino, with lower education levels, wealth, and homeownership. However, only 21% qualify for public assistance programs like Medicaid that provide funding for home care services.