For families facing a recent diagnosis of dementia, it’s helpful to hear that it isn’t always the end of the world. In fact, there are a number of encouraging success stories out there — people who’ve found a way to make the most of life in the face of Alzheimer’s and more. Just ask Glen Campbell.
The legendary country singer revealed in June 2011 that he’d recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 75 at the time.
In the entertainment industry, even the healthiest in the over-70 crowd tend to settle down and withdraw from the limelight. Campbell, though, has defied the odds.
CNN recently profiled his incredible journey in the face of a difficult prognosis. Most expected Campbell to offer his fans a final performance or two. Instead, he immediately embarked on a two-and-a-half-year-long tour with hundreds of performances all across the country. Along the way, he made a music video, won a Grammy, and was even nominated for an Academy Award.
Of course, given his considerable success, Campbell has likely had access to top-notch healthcare. Recent reports suggest he’s now retired to a long-term care facility specializing in Alzheimer’s treatment.
You don’t have to be a Grammy winner to make the best of Alzheimer’s, though. Long-term care is expensive, but it isn’t elusive. Proper planning can go a long way in putting a prognosis into encouraging new context.
If you or a loved one is in need of long-term care, or if you’d like to plan for that contingency in the future, the Phoenix elder law attorneys in our office can help. Give us a call today.
