Hickory, NC, has a population of 43,532 people, of whom 16.4% are over the age of 65. This age is when one in nine seniors begin to experience symptoms of cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's. Prevalence of the disease increases with age; according to the Alzheimer's Association, 33.2% of people 85 and up are affected. In addition to memory loss, Alzheimer's and dementia can cause serious complications and disability. Fortunately for residents of Hickory, Alzheimer's-related deaths decreased by 32.89% between 2016 and 2020, a period in which total deaths in the city increased by 22.59%. This may be partially due to the availability of modern dementia care.
Residential memory care preserves the health and function of people with Alzheimer's and dementia. These communities have safety features that limit hazardous wandering and reduce the potential for accidents in the home. They also have staff available 24/7 in case of emergencies or episodes of confusion. This guide examines the cost of dementia care in Hickory and weighs some of the benefits of living in the city compared to neighboring areas.