Dementia is a heartbreaking illness that causes a person to lose their memory, personality, and eventually, their independence. There is no known cure for dementia, which means that the disease can only be managed and treated. This is where dementia care nurses come in. These nurses provide essential care and support for people with dementia and their families. Unfortunately, we are losing the battle against dementia. Here's why...

There Is a Massive Global Shortage of Dementia Care Nurses

According to the World Health Organization, there are currently around 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. By 2050, this number is expected to increase to 131 million. This means that the demand for dementia care nurses will continue to grow exponentially in the coming years. However, the supply of these nurses is not keeping up with the demand. In fact, it is estimated that there will be a shortfall of around 15.

This shortage of nurses is due to a number of factors. 

1. First, dementia care nursing is a relatively new field. This means that there are few experienced nurses who are qualified to provide this type of care. 
2. Second, dementia care nursing is a demanding and challenging job. It requires nurses to have a high level of patience, empathy, and stamina. As a result, many nurses are simply not up for the challenge. 
3. Finally, the pay for dementia care nurses is often low, which makes it difficult to attract and retain talent in this field.
   

Dementia Care Is Expensive and Resource-Intensive

Dementia care is not cheap. In fact, it is one of the most expensive types of care available. The annual cost of caring for a person with dementia in the United States is estimated to be around $90,000. This includes the costs of medical care, long-term care, and lost productivity. In other words, dementia care is a huge financial burden for families and society as a whole.

What's more, dementia care is also extremely resource-intensive. For example, people with dementia often need around-the-clock supervision and support. This means that their caregivers need to be available 24/seven. This can be extremely taxing, both emotionally and physically.

Unfortunately, as the number of people with dementia continues to grow, so too will the financial and resource burdens of caring for them.

These are just some of the reasons why we are losing the battle against dementia. The shortage of qualified nurses, the high cost of care, and the intense resource requirements are all major challenges that need to be addressed. If we don't take action now, the situation is only going to get worse.

Do you have any thoughts or experiences with dementia care nursing? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

If you're a nurse who works in dementia care, we want to hear from you. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Our team at Care Concierge of New England is dedicated to providing the best possible care for people with dementia and their families. We're always looking for ways to improve, so your input is invaluable. More Needham MA