The Dementia Dilemma: America's Families Left to Cope Alone
The American healthcare system fails families dealing with Alzheimer's disease, forcing them to navigate a complex and expensive landscape. With over six million Americans living with Alzheimer's, the majority of caregiving falls on family members who face emotional, financial, and physical burdens. Healthy spouses are left with the choice of quitting their jobs and losing access to income and health insurance or divorcing their spouse to qualify for Medicaid, which covers basic memory care. The author argues for a single-payer, universal healthcare system that prioritizes affordable and accessible care for all, regardless of relationship status.