FAIR Health Unveils Essential Resource for Alzheimer’s Care Planning and Cost Management

FAIR Health has launched a new tool to help families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative is backed by The John A. Hartford Foundation. The tool provides essential information for managing Alzheimer’s through self-care and medication options, along with cost details. It’s available at no cost on FAIR Health for Older Adults, which offers resources in English and Spanish for seniors and their caregivers.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, leading to gradual cognitive decline. With the rising costs of care, it’s crucial for patients and families to have accurate information to help them make informed choices about their care. This new tool encourages shared decision-making—an important process that involves patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in discussions about care that recognizes both medical evidence and personal preferences. It empowers users to weigh different self-care strategies and medication options.

Self-care strategies mentioned in the tool include eating well, exercising, keeping the mind active, and reviewing medications with healthcare providers. It also covers three main drug therapies available for Alzheimer’s: cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and monoclonal antibodies. By combining this information, the tool helps families understand their choices better and the costs associated with them.

This tool fits into the 4Ms framework that guides high-quality, age-friendly care: what matters, medication, mind, and mobility. By focusing on what’s important to patients, it helps fuel discussions about effective care for Alzheimer’s in partnership with healthcare providers. The tool is designed to promote understanding and collaboration in care planning.

Alongside the decision-making tool, families can utilize additional resources available on the FAIR Health for Older Adults site. They can access the FH® Total Treatment Cost tool, which estimates yearly costs of Alzheimer’s care, printable checklists, and links to supportive organizations. These resources help families understand their options and explore necessary financial assistance.

FAIR Health is not limiting its outreach. The new tools are being shared across the nation, especially in collaboration with four recognized Age-Friendly Health Systems: the University of Pennsylvania, Ohio State University, the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Emory University. These sites are incorporating these resources into their clinical settings, helping patients and caregivers with practical checklists and educational tools.

“Older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease have unique needs. FAIR Health’s shared decision-making tool will help them and their caregivers understand options and manage costs effectively.”

Rani E. Snyder, Vice President, Program, at The John A. Hartford Foundation

To access these valuable tools and learn more about Alzheimer’s care, visit the Alzheimer’s Disease section on FAIR Health for Older Adults.