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Dear Fellow Vermonter,
Recently, I met with members of the Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter to discuss the important work they do to support, educate, and advocate for Vermonters living with this disease and other dementias.
Alzheimer’s is a terrifying disease. People lose their memories, their sense of time and, sometimes, their personalities. For family members, the experience of caring for those with Alzheimer’s can be extremely painful and traumatic – and financially difficult.
Make no mistake: Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis. More than 13,000 Vermonters are struggling with this disease or another form of dementia – and more than 20,000 family members, friends, and health professionals are responsible for their care.
Taking care of a loved one when they are sick is a very difficult and stressful responsibility. One shouldn’t have to worry about going bankrupt at the same time. Unfortunately, the family members I met with who are caring for Alzheimer’s patients cited extraordinary costs as another additional burden they are dealing with.
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