The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (December 2023) |
As populations age, caring for people with dementia has become more common. Elderly caregiving may consist of formal care and informal care. Formal care involves the services of community and medical partners, while informal care involves the support of family, friends, and local communities. In most mild-to-medium cases of dementia, the caregiver is a spouse or an adult child. Over a period of time, more professional care in the form of nursing and other supportive care may be required medically, whether at home or in a long-term care facility. There is evidence to show that case management can improve care for individuals with dementia and the experience of their caregivers.[1] Furthermore, case management may reduce overall costs and institutional care in the medium term.[1] Millions of people living in the United States take care of a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.[2]