Newsweek: Alzheimer's and Caregivers

Newsweek Senior Editor Barbara Kantrowitz and Chicago correspondent Karen Springen report on the millions of baby boomers now caring for parents, and in some cases, spouses afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Of the 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, an estimated 70 percent of them live at home, cared for by family. But the financial and emotional toll on these family members can often become overwhelming. To combat the devastating disease, a growing number of boomers are taking action by increasing public awareness and campaigning for increased research funding. It's estimated that by 2030, Alzheimer's will cost Medicare $400 billion, almost as much as the entire current Medicare budget.

In "A Guide for Caregivers," correspondent Joan Raymond reports on ways to handle the difficult task of being a caregiver to ailing parents. A good place to start is by preparing documents such as a health-care proxy, also called a health-care power of attorney and an advance directive, or a living will. This allows a person to specify medical care and life-support procedures they want.

And in "Insuring Your Future Care," Contributing Editor Jane Bryant Quinn reports on the new ways many baby boomers are looking to prepare for their later years and the different long-term-care options available. Quinn also explores the ways insurers are targeting boomers who might be willingto buy new designer forms of TLC coverage at a younger age.


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