The US healthcare system is facing significant challenges as it prepares to meet the growing demand for dementia care
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. This statistic from the Alzheimer’s Association is a stark reminder of the growing need for innovative care models to support individuals living with this disease and their families. As CEO of Rippl Care, I was proud to see our company mentioned in the recent report “Guiding the Care Journey: Building Dementia Workforce and System Capacity through Care Navigation” which shines a light on the gaps in the current healthcare system in addressing this need. This is why we built Rippl – we were done waiting for change to happen.
#1 Equity
The report acknowledges the significant disparities in access to care for different communities. African Americans are about twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and Hispanics are about one and a half times as likely as whites to develop the disease. This disparity is not only unacceptable but also preventable. The report suggests that by increasing the capacity of the healthcare workforce and expanding the use of technology to provide remote care and support, we can improve access to care for underserved communities.
#2 Coordination
The report also emphasized the critical role of care navigators, and it was rewarding to see Rippl Care recognized for our commitment to providing this essential service. Our care coordinators work with patients and their families to develop personalized care plans that address their unique needs and preferences. This approach has proven effective in improving patient outcomes and reducing caregiver stress.
#3 Capacity
The need for increased workforce capacity in dementia care is one of the most critical gaps identified. At Rippl Care, we have taken steps to address this issue by investing in training and education programs for our staff. We believe that investing in our employees is essential to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and building the healthcare workforce of the future.
As the population ages, the demand for dementia care will continue to grow. At Rippl Care, we believe that quality care and equity in access to care are essential. Our mission is to provide innovative, compassionate care that empowers individuals living with dementia to live their best lives, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. We recognize that there is much work to be done to address the disparities and gaps – we are committed to doing our part.
Many thanks to the Milken Institute’s Center for the Future of Aging for putting out this important research and highlighting our work.
Kris Engskov is CEO of Rippl Care
