Who’s Caring for Our Aging World? A Wake-Up Call on Dementia Care
Who’s Caring for Our Aging World? A Wake-Up Call on Dementia Care
As the global population ages, the infrastructure supporting older adults is struggling to keep up. A recent study conducted by researchers at the School of Public Health sheds light on a concerning reality: one in five dementia patients worldwide lack access to any form of care.
The study examined both formal care provided by professional healthcare workers and informal care typically delivered by family members. The study revealed significant variations in how nations structure their care systems. European countries generally offer better formal support compared to the United States or China.
Socioeconomic factors deepen the divide: those with fewer resources face the highest barriers, often forcing families to shoulder caregiving burdens without support.
Researchers are calling for urgent policy reform, especially in the U.S., where expanding Medicare and Medicaid could ease the crisis. While technology, such as AI and robotics, offers promise, it won’t replace the need for sustainable, community-based care systems.
“We found an alarming message that both developed and developing countries face common care deficits for dementia care,”
The key to successfully mitigating any emergency is preparedness. CHUG members have access to a comprehensive suite of educational workshops that utilize real-life case studies to teach effective responses to emergency situations. This training can be lifesaving.
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