(NAPSA)—There are currently 5.4 million Americans’ who have Alzheimer’s disease, and as the U.S. population ages, many more individuals are likely to be diagnosed. It’s estimated that the numberof people age 65 or older with Alzheimer’s disease will increase as much as 40 percent by 2025 andtriple by 2050,’ barring any medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease. Alzheimer’s disease has a distinct gender bias: The majority of its victims are women. Womenare twice aslikely as men to develop the disease, and, once they haveit, are far more vulnera- ble to its effects.’ Female longevity was once thought to be responsible for this disparity, but recent medical research suggests that biological, genetic, and even cultural influences may play significantroles.’ Currently, there is no way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals typically live eight to 10 years after they are diagnosed.‘ There are progressive stages of Alzheimer’s disease and, as time passes, small losses in memory and judgment advance to profound intellectual and social impairment. In the last stage, physical function is reduced as well, ultimately leading to death. As this disease runs its course, Alzheimer’s patients may require increasing levels of assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Further, Alzheimer’s patients are often unaware of their surroundings and potentially dangeroussituations. To maintain the safety of these patients, increased supervision is required. Most care is custodial, not medical, and belongs in the category knownas long term care. Long term care providedbya facility can be expensive and is generally not covered by traditional health plans or Medicare. Medicaid may help pay medical costs, but you must meet your mel ‘Ne a Government workers and their loved ones can get help with long term care. Planning now for long term care can help to reduce financial and emotional stress on your family. well as the fact that Alzheimer’s disease The FLICIP can help pay for personal care and otherrelated services provided on an extended basis to people who need help with everyday activities or who need supervision due to a requires lifetime care. In 2013, the national average cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home was $82,855 annually.’ Homecare is generally more affordable than nursing homecare butisstill costly. When averaged nationally, the cost of a six-hourvisit by a home health aide is $120 per day. That’s $31,200 per year for a homehealth aidevisiting six hoursper day, five days a week.’ Homecare can be provided bya relative or friend, but there may bea significant physical and emotional cost for these informal caregivers. Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease is difficult, and caregivers commonly suffer from chronic stress, which can compromise their physical and psychological health’ as well as their most intimate family relationships. Often these caregivers leave the workplace or step out of a chosen career path to meet increasing care needs. This decision can have profound implications for their personal finances in both the short and long term. It’s also important to rememberthat the need for long term care can arise from an accident, illness, or injury at state’s poverty criteria. any age. Although no onecanbecertain that he or she will develop Alzheimer’s disease, planning ahead can help to reduce financial and emotionalstress on yourfamily. Fortunately for many, the Federal ever, you should consider the cost as (FLICIP) offers protection and support whenit’s needed the most. Paying out-of-pocket is one way to cover long term care expenses. How- Long Term Care Insurance Program severe cognitive impairment. It pro- vides comprehensive coverage, regardless of whether you receive care at home, in an assisted living facility (including specialized care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease), or in a nursing home. Additionally, family members and friends can provide care as informalcaregivers. Many membersofthe Federal family are eligible to apply for coverage under the FLTCIP, including Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, as well as active andretired membersofthe uniformedservices. Qualified relatives may also apply. For a completeeligibility list, visit www.LTCFEDS.com/eligibility. Because the FLTCIP is medically underwritten, it’s important to apply when you are in good health to avoid the risk that a future illness or condition may prevent you from obtaining coverage later. Also, premiums are directly related to age. This means the younger people are when they apply for coverage, the lower their premium. To learn more about the FLTCIP, visit www.LTCFEDS.com.For personalized assistance, call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337)/TTY 1-800-843-3557 to speak with a program consultant. They are available to answer any questions you may have and can walk you step-by-step through the plan design and application process. 1 Washington Post. “Studies Add to Evidence That Women Are MoreSusceptible to Alzheimer's,” http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/women-with-signs-of-alzheimers-appearto-deteriorate-faster-studies-find/2015/07/21/f7be9aaa-2fca-11e5-8353-1215475949f4_story.html (accessed August 2015). 2 Alzheimer’s Association. “2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures, Prevalence,www.alz.org/facts/ (accessed August 2015). 3 Washington Post. “Why Do More Women Get Alzheimer’s? Research Points to Genetics, Other Factors, www.washingtonpost.com/local/with-women-perhaps-facing-higher-risk-ofalzheimers-female-scientists-unite/2014/09/03/2aa0506c-28ab-1 1e4-8593-da634b334390_story.html (accessed August 2015). 4 MayoClinic. “Alzheimer’s Stages: How the Disease Progresses,’ www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-stages/art-20048448 (accessed August 2015). 5 John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company. “John Hancock 2013 Costof Care Survey,’ conducted by LifePlans, Inc., April 2013. 6 Alzheimer’ Association. “CaregiverStress,’ www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp (accessed August 2015). 7 NationalInstitutes ofHealth. “Physical and Mental Health Effects ofFamily Caregiving? www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791523/ (accessed August 2015). 8 The Alzheimer’s Reading Room. “The Financial Impact of Alzheimer’s on Family Caregivers 2014, www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2014/11/the-financial-impact-of-alzheimers-on.html (accessed August 2015).