Sad and so very true the numbers are staggering in the US. We don't respect or take care of our elderly.
I could tell you sad strories for days. Our organization works with APS, Care, Meals on Wheels any and all Senior service organizations, you name it we outreach to the elderly daily. This is a huge problem that is growing larger daily with little or no funding for their care.
The cost to place someone in a facility is stagering. Most times they can't get in and stay at home alone and die.
If this country doesn't find a cure for Alzheimer's in the next 10 years we baby boomers will be without homes, and financing to maintain any kind of life style. It will be the number 1 disease in the next 15 years or sooner.
If you think it can't happen to you, think again the age for early onset of ALZ is in your 40's. Imagine being forty and unable to recognize anything at all, unable to care for yourself, feed yourself, work, drive, even talk.
Imagine the burden on your caregiver their lives are totally absorbed with your care because there are no agencies affordable to help you. They often become beaten down by the systems and turn to Alzheimer's association for help.
We all have to work with familes at the Association it is required. My primary function is IT and Database Manager. My other primary function is to provide assistance and support to families in the community. It is gut wrenching, and rewarding all at the same time.
If you do nothing else this holiday season donate to Meals on Wheels if you can't back any charity for what ever reason. The may be feeding you someday.