Impacts at The ARK

Impacts at The ARK

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What Effects One of Us, Impacts All of Us

It’s easy to think that those living with ADRD and their caregivers are separate from all of us, but that is not the case.


Consider this.


Of the 15,000 individuals with ADRD in The ARK’s service area, 73% live in the community and are cared for by family members. Most recent statistics (2023) show that in South Carolina, there were 216,000 ADRD family caregivers providing 355 million hours of unpaid care who needed tools to cope with their challenging responsibilities. 28% of ADRD caregivers are in the "sandwich generation,” meaning they are caring for an aging parent as well as children under 18 and provide 20 to 25 hours a week of care to their parents. For those in rural communities, most are homebound with very little social interaction with others and lack exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Lack of Internet access and computers also adds to their isolation.

Important Statistics

There are so many important statistics when it comes to dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia (ADRD). The impact simply can’t be overstated. In order to give you a better idea of the larger picture, here are some important statistics related to ADRD and its impact.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is a major health epidemic. ADRD is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. More than prostate and breast cancer combined 


Single women of color over the age of 65, many already in poverty, experience greater economic impact from ADRD; 


Family caregiving is a national public health issue and the healthcare system does not include the caregiver as part of the medical care team.

The ARK continues to strive to eliminate the stigma that many families feel when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and related dementia. Raising awareness about The ARK's services continues to be paramount. Even now, with so many ways for people to receive education and support, there's still such a need for awareness. 

Your support is key to our impact and success in the community.

216,000

caregivers in South Carolina provide unpaid care for people with ADRD


60%

of caregivers (in SC) are suffering with chronic health conditions

1 in 5

caregivers in South Carolina is providing care to an individual with Alzheimer's or other form of Dementia.

Nearly 40%

of caregivers die before their care receivers, and this number climbs to 70% as the caregiver nears age 70. About 20% of these deaths are preventable with caregiver support services and education.

15.2%

of caregivers in South Carolina report they are in poor physical healh.



26.3%

State-projected increase to 120,000 in ADRD cases by 2025.





66%

of caregivers experience adverse effects to employment; 20% take a leave of absence from the workforce; some have to quit working.

Less than 10%

of physicians practice in rural communities, where 1/3 of residents live; Rural caregivers face greater financial barriers than their urban caregiving peers.

80%

of Americans know little or are not familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which can be an early stage of Alzheimer's.


Alz.org


To learn more about how you can help The ARK of SC provide hope and relief to caregivers and people living with ADRD, contact us today.

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