According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 110,000 Hoosiers are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That number is only expected to grow in the upcoming years .
The Alzheimer’s Association recently released its annual facts and figures special report that highlighted the shortage of dementia care workers and specialists across the state of Indiana. According to the report, there are currently 66 geriatricians in Indiana. The state will need 299 geriatricians to serve 10% of those 65 and older – a 353% increase, by 2050. That same report highlighted a need for home health aides as a 37% increase by 2028 will be needed to fill the gap.
Laura Forbes Communications Director for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana said shortages may be due to growth in population as generations age.
“Certainly the impacts of Alzheimer’s will continue to grow,” said Forbes.
Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana said many families choose to care for their loved ones at home, and are not adequately trained for dementia care.
” Currently 216,000 Hoosiers serve as unpaid family caregivers,” said Forbes. “That’s a really significant impact on the state.”
Marie Lane General Manager for Home Instead Senior Care said it’s important that her staff completes a dementia training program.
“You can’t send a caregiver in blind to a client that has Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said Lane. “It’s very difficult to redirect them.”
Senate Bill 353 will require home caregivers receive a dementia training program.
Beth Nolan Director of Research and Policy for Positive Approach to Care said dementia education will help combat the turnover of caregivers.
“If we provide people the support and education towards the brain and the body for someone that has brain change like dementia, it will pave the way to job satisfaction, “said Nolan.
