Total payments for health care, long-term care and hospice care for people living with dementia are projected to increase to nearly $1 trillion in 2050. Medicare and Medicaid are expected to cover $222 billion (64%), while out-of-pocket spending is expected to be $87 billion. In 2023, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion - not including the value of unpaid caregiving. The costs of health care and long-term care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are substantial, and dementia is one of the costliest conditions to society. Turnover rates for direct care workers are high - estimated at 64% annually for those providing home care and 99% for nursing assistants in nursing homes.The demand for direct care workers (roles such as nurses aides and home health aides) is projected to grow by more than 40% between 20, while their availability is expected to decline.Only 4% of social workers have formal certification in geriatric social work.Less than 1% of registered nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists identify themselves as specializing in geriatrics.

Only 12% of nurse practitioners have special expertise in gerontological care.Few care professionals specialize in geriatrics:.will have to nearly triple the number of geriatricians to effectively care for the number of people projected to have Alzheimer's in 2050. Half of PCPs reported that they do not feel adequately prepared to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and more than 25% reported being “only sometimes” or “never” comfortable answering patient questions about dementia.Even though the vast majority of initial diagnoses are made by primary care physicians (PCPs), nearly 40% reported that they were 'never' or 'only sometimes' comfortable making a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia.As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease increases, so does the need for additional members of the paid workforce who are involved in diagnosing, treating and caring for those living with the disease.

State of survival ad 2022