As people live longer, the cases of Alzheimer's disease is supposed to skyrocket, almost doubling every 20 years and reaching an estimated 115 million cases by 2050, according to the World Alzheimer Report. For people 65 and older, approximately 12% of the U.S. population is affected by Alzheimer's. For people 85 and older, nearly half are affected by the disease. Whether it falls to the individual or his or her family, tough decisions are necessary, and one of the most critical decisions is how long to leave the affected person in his or her own home. There is no standard answer, no set guidelines, but here are some of the things to consider when making your choice and creating long-term plans for Alzheimer's care.

In-Home Care for Alzheimer's Patients
Think Alzheimer's is a condition too severe for the prospect of in-home care? Take a look at those numbers again. If, in fact, dementia and Alzheimer's cases double every twenty years, the U.S. (and many other countries) may not have the necessary facilities. People with mild- or moderate-stage dementia may not yet need institutional care. Moreover, some people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but not clinically linked to dementia, may still want some help around the house. Here are some strategies to consider when designing an in-home care program for people with MCI or other beginning stages of Alzheimer's or dementia:

Strategies for Alzheimer's In-Home Care

• Conduct Search for Alzheimer's Care Facilities: Few families choose in-home care for their loved ones without first checking out the available facilities. Yet, this search should be on-going: The vast majority of Alzheimer's patients will eventually need to some form of institutional care, and there are usually several different care facilities in an area.

• Don't Take In-Home Care for Granted: Try to find aides with specific experience with Alzheimer's patients, but know this may not be possible with the current shortage of home health aides. Either way, continually monitor the level of care and adequacy of your in-home care program.

• Know the Implications of Your or Your Loved One's Condition: Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about the functional limits of your loved one. People with MCI are less able to plan parties and holiday get-togethers. People with mild Alzheimer's disease are often unable to manage their own finances. People with moderate Alzheimer's may need help with basic daily activities, such as dressing appropriately each morning. Plan your in-home care program accordingly.

• Assess Your Long-Term Finances: Both in-home care and institutional care are expensive, but knowing the exact numbers are critical for long-term planning. As in-home care becomes more expensive, increasingly tough decisions must be made. Allowing the patient to stay in the home with adequate care for another 1-5 years may limit the family's ability to place that individual in a first-rate care facility when the inevitable happens.

  Alzheimer's Care Facilities
  You may be able to find private facilities that specialize and cater to Alzheimer's patients. If you can find one of these facilities and have the means to pay for it, this may very well be your answer. Still, there are a number of more generalized facilities that can still offer exceptional care. Many of the same strategies for in-home Alzheimer's care are still applicable, although modified, to help you feel confident that you're giving the best possible care for your loved one. The following types of Alzheimer's care facilities are available in most cities, but individual facilities must be assessed for their own merit:

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  Dementia & Alzheimer's Care
  • Continuing Care Retirement Communities: These facilities have a luxurious campus-like feel with a great accent placed on the individual's care. Unfortunately, the facilities are too expensive for many families.

  • Assisted Living Facilities: These facilities offer similar assistance and independence as in-home care. A great alternative to in-home care, often patients will need to be transferred to more intensive facilities as the disease progresses.

  • Nursing Home Care: These facilities are widely variable for both the level of care received and the annual cost to the family. More than any other, these facilities should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Hospice Care Facility: For severe Alzheimer's patients who are expected to live six months or less, these facilities focus on providing dignity and comfort to the terminal patient.

  What's at Stake: Level of Care Directly Affects Health
  While you probably won't know what the right decision is with any degree of certainty, creating the best care possible is likely to have a direct impact on your loved one's health, especially as the disease progresses. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients who receive superior care may retain their ability to walk for years longer than those who receive only passable or marginal care.

  Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.