Supporting Sacramento's Caregivers

More than 24,000 residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia in Sacramento County, and by 2040, that number is projected to grow to over 56,000, according to the Alzheimer Association.

Behind each of these individuals is a caregiver - someone who may be juggling multiple roles, often at great personal cost. This County initiative both honors the essential work of caregivers in the County and raises awareness about available resources.

Caregiver Resources:

"Our goal is to reach caregivers where they are whether they need a break, guidance or simply someone to listen," said Sacramento County Public Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye. "Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect the person diagnosed. It impacts families and entire communities. We're making sure more people know that help is available."

Nearly 1.4 million caregivers in California are providing an estimated 1.86 billion hours of unpaid care each year, equating to a value of $44.2 billion, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association also reports that 61% of caregivers have chronic health conditions and 18.6% struggle with depression.

Caregiving is a profound responsibility and a deeply human experience. The work of caregivers often goes unseen but has an immeasurable impact on families, friends and communities. Remember to check in on the caregivers in the community and remind them that they don't have to face this journey alone.

Alzheimer's Association and SCPH began this initiative focused on the vital role caregivers play and the support they need in 2021 and hope to continue the partnership in the future.

This SCPH caregiver initiative is supported by the California Department of Public Health Alzheimer's Disease Program. The findings and conclusions in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the California Department of Public Health or the California Health and Human Services Agency.