The Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report highlights prevalence, caregiver burden, and direct care workforce shortages, according to a news release. The new report shows there were an estimated 191,000 dementia family caregivers across Wisconsin caring for more than 120,000 on a journey with dementia.
According to the report:
- Number of Wisconsin residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s: 120,000;
- Estimated number of Wisconsin residents living with Alzheimer’s in 2025: 130,000;
- Number of Wisconsin residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 191,000; and
- Total hours of unpaid care provided: 213,000,000; Total value of unpaid care: $3.97 billion.
The year’s report also finds a shortage looming for direct care workers in Wisconsin and across the country. Direct care workers, including nurse aides, nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides play a vital role in caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in private homes, community-based settings such as adult day services and residential care, skilled nursing homes, and other settings. According to the report, an estimated 1.2 million additional direct care workers will be needed between 2020 and 2030 — more new workers than in any other single occupation in the United States. Additionally, in Wisconsin there are only 83 geriatricians; in order to meet the demand by 2050, that number would need to increase by 228.9%.
