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Alzheimer’s and related diseases don’t just affect memory. They also bring behavioral and psychological challenges known as neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS. These can include anxiety, depression, agitation, and sleep disturbances, making life difficult for both patients and caregivers. As symptoms progress, so do the risks of injury, isolation, and the need for institutional care, often worsened by stigma and limited support.

Caregiving for an aging parent is not, by design, a simple endeavor. There’s the mountain of practical matters to attend to, including managing doctors’ appointments, seeking diagnoses, and ensuring Mom or Dad is physically safe.

This is what family caregivers are up against as the population ages, Pew found

As the population ages, grandchildren are taking on caregiving roles, but often struggle with the emotional, financial and physical demands.

Many NC caregivers are facing financial strain, health challenges and difficulty accessing services. Advocates warn that new Medicaid work requirements could disrupt coverage for caregivers unless the state takes steps to clearly identify and protect those who are federally exempt.

Caregivers are a backbone of serious illness care, but they cannot carry the system alone. We have reached a point where failing to support them is indistinguishable from failing patients.