Fighting the Darkness of Alzheimer’s on the Longest Day
The summer solstice – it’s the day with the most light… the longest day.
On June 21st, people from around the world will mark the occasion by shining a light on Alzheimer’s – honoring those living with the disease and their caregivers, for whom every day is the longest day.
Did you know:
- More than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach 12.7 million.
- Almost two-thirds of American’s with Alzheimer’s are women.
- One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia – it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
- Between 2000 and 2019, deaths from heart disease decreased 7.3% while deaths from Alzheimer’s increased by 145%.
- In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation $321 billion. By 2050, the cost could rise to more than $1 trillion.
- More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These caregivers provided more than 16 billion hours of care valued at nearly $272 billion.
Personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease is what drives many of us at the HomeCare Advocacy Network, including our founders Mark and Sierra Goetz. Sierra’s stepmother, Fran, a fitness buff and marathon runner, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at age 49. Sierra’s father, Terry, left his corporate job to become a full-time caregiver – doing whatever it took to keep Fran active and care for her at home. The whole family pitched in to help and quickly learned the power of consistent, compassionate care.
Honoring Terry’s legacy, we are committed to helping other families do whatever it takes to care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Our professional caregivers are specially trained to provide customized, one-on-one care designed to help seniors age safely in their home – whether it’s for a few hours a week or around the clock.
We also provide care for the family caregivers – offering respite and free workshops to help family members understand what to expect and how to cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
