Millions Struggle Now Facing Steep Costs and Emotional Toll of Dementia Care
ATLANTA, Ga. — The burden of dementia care is intensifying right now as millions of Americans provide unpaid, round-the-clock support for loved ones while facing skyrocketing expenses and emotional burnout. In 2026, an estimated 7 million Americans live with dementia, but the strain extends far beyond patients themselves.
Close to 12 million people in the U.S. are caregiving for family or friends with dementia, often sacrificing income and personal well-being, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Many are forced to reduce work hours or quit jobs entirely just to meet the demanding needs of loved ones who can no longer live independently.
Emotional and Financial Strain Hits Hard for Families
In midtown Atlanta, Andrea Verdi has taken on full-time care for her father, 84-year-old Nicholas Verdi, who has dementia but still shows an extraordinary connection to his flamenco guitar. Despite his memory loss, Nicholas can still strum music “from the heart and soul,” Andrea says. But the realities of his care have left her overwhelmed.
“I didn’t know it was going to be this hard … I cry every day,” Andrea said. “The shame and guilt, and the anger, and you just have the worry. Constant worry, anxiety.”
Andrea witnessed her father’s decline this year as he began hoarding, neglecting hygiene, and misplacing belongings. She moved him into an apartment to keep him safe, but the cost of care and living expenses continues to climb, adding to her stress.
Experts warn this story is far too common. Approximately one in four U.S. adults serve as caregivers, with women and lower-income families facing disproportionate levels of depression and anxiety, a pattern backed by international research on dementia’s deep impact on families.
States Lag in Supporting Dementia Care Resources
Despite the rising crisis, many caregiver needs remain unmet. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) data ranks Georgia 39th in the nation for long-term care services and support — a troubling sign for families like the Verdis searching for affordable help.
“Some state and federal agencies feel like they forget about families,” Andrea said, highlighting the gap between demand and available resources.
Planning for the Future: Experts Urge Legal and Care Preparation
As dementia rates climb, experts emphasize the urgent need for families nationwide to plan ahead. Alice Grooms, an elder care law attorney, stresses securing essential legal documents such as power of attorney, healthcare directives, and wills before a crisis hits.
“You want to make sure someone you trust can manage your care and decisions when you can’t,” Grooms said.
Federal reports warn that nearly 70 percent of older Americans will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime, underscoring the nationwide urgency to prepare now for the financial and medical realities dementia brings.
What This Means for Ohio and the Nation
Ohio, like many states, faces growing challenges as dementia affects millions within the state and across the country. Families dealing with dementia are on the frontline of an evolving public health and economic crisis urgently needing local and national action.
The emotional weight combined with financial strain echoes in households across Ohio, where caregivers are often left with few affordable options and mounting obligations. As dementia care needs climb in 2026, immediate efforts are required to bolster support systems and safeguard the well-being of both patients and caregivers.
Looking Ahead
As the population ages and dementia rates rise, families must seek early intervention and legal planning strategies. Meanwhile, policymakers at state and federal levels are urged to expand support services and financial assistance to meet this growing care crisis head-on.
The story of Nicholas and Andrea Verdi encapsulates the urgent reality of millions who carry this heavy burden daily—reminding us all that dementia care demands immediate attention from communities, governments, and healthcare providers nationwide.
