In 2018, 280,000 Pennsylvanians had dementia. By 2025, that figure is projected to be 325,000. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia in or around Philadelphia, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The average family caregiver provides more than 24 hours of unpaid care each week—the equivalent of a part-time job. That commitment can take you away from your family, sideline your career, and leave you feeling exhausted and demoralized.
The following resources can help you get a break, make important decisions, and better understand your loved one’s care needs.
Financial and Legal Support
Caregiving can be expensive. Nationwide, the total value of unpaid caregiving is nearly $500 billion. The right legal and financial assistance can help you use your resources wisely, preserve your loved one’s estate, and more. Check out these options:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Caregiver Support Program offers a broad range of support options. The program also provides reimbursement for some caregiving-related expenses.
- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging provides a user-friendly guide to various financial services and benefits programs for which seniors may be eligible.
- The Age and Disability Unit of Community Legal Services offers free legal advice to seniors and their families.
- The Philadelphia Bar Association can connect you with a lawyer who specializes in caregiving, estate, guardianship, and other common elder care issues.
- The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys offers educational resources to seniors and their caregivers, as well as a directory to help you find an elder care attorney in your area.
Caregiver Support
No one can do it all alone. Support from caregivers who have been there can help you gain new perspectives, access resources you didn’t know about, and feel less alone. Check out the following support resources:
- CAregivers REducing Stress (CARES) Meetup group
- The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s list of caregiver resources and links
- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Caregiver Support Program
- The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
- Abramson Center for Jewish Life’s Philadelphia Caregiver Support Group
Activities and Active Aging
Dementia doesn’t have to mean your loved one spends the rest of their life in their house. They can still lead an active, enjoyable life. The following resources can support that goal:
- Use the Department of Aging’s search tool to find a Philadelphia senior center.
- Find transportation to local events through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
- Visit the Philadelphia Senior Center, one of the nation’s oldest senior centers, for activities, support groups, and more.
Finding Senior Care
Quality senior care can be a lifeline for exhausted caregivers and the seniors they love. For help finding the perfect care option for your family, try these links:
- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging offers a search engine to connect to a wide range of service providers, including in-home health aides, adult daycare, respite services, and more.
- The Philadelphia Area Agency on Aging can help you find an adult day center.
- For help connecting to the right senior care or for assistance understanding your options, contact the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources.
- Use the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator to find a care provider in Philadelphia.
- Find home-based care through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s comprehensive guide.
Residential senior care, including dementia care, offers your loved one a safe, beautiful home, assistance when they need it, a wide range of activities, gourmet meals, and the dignity of aging safely and comfortably. The Arbor Company’s unparalleled experience ensures that every resident gets exceptional care and a meaningful retirement. Don’t let dementia steal your family’s joy. We can help caregivers and seniors lead better lives. Contact us today to learn more.