DES MOINES —The Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report finds the burden on Iowa Alzheimer’s and dementia family and professional caregivers is growing. The new report released today shows there were an estimated 98,000 dementia family caregivers across the state in 2022 providing 125 million hours of unpaid care valued at $2.284 billion.
The new report also reveals that Iowa family caregivers and those across the country face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as result of caregiving as well, including:
• Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In Iowa, 60% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
• The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers when compared to caregivers for other conditions. In Iowa, 27% caregivers reported depression.
• Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving.
“This year’s Facts and Figures report underscores the considerable physical and emotional and toll Iowa caregivers experience when caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s,” said Doug Bickford, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter. “It clearly underlines the need for caregiver support in Iowa. The Alzheimer’s Association offers free local support throughout our state including support groups, education as well as the Association’s 24/7 Helpline. This support can be a lifeline to caregivers.”
This year’s report also finds a shortage looming for direct care workers in Iowa and across the country. Direct care workers, including nurse aides, nursing assistants and home health aides play a vital role in caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
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. In 2020, there were an estimated 23,880 home health and personal care aids in Iowa, and by 2030, this number will need to increase by at least 32%.
Although more direct care workers will be needed in the years ahead, the long-term care field is already struggling to fill existing direct care positions. Turnover rates are high in this workforce — estimated at 64% annually for direct care workers providing home care and 99% for nursing assistants in nursing homes, according to the report.
The annual Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national and state-by-state statistics on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence, mortality, caregiving, dementia care workforce and costs of care. According to the report, there are 6.7 million people 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s dementia in the United States, including 66,000 in Iowa.
About 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
The Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government and the nation’s health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.