Four factors are rapidly converging into a ""silver tsunami"" that will soon challenge every aspect of American society: 1) the increasing number of people living with dementias; 2) the mounting number of people providing dementia care, whether they want to or not; 3) the spiraling healthcare costs of dementia care; and 4) the lack of geriatricians to provide medical care and oversight. The way dementia care is currently provided is simply not sustainable. Congregations and other community groups must on the one hand find ways to support those providing dementia care, and on the other hand become involved in long-term efforts to make such care reliable, reasonable, and affordable so that those with dementia will not be forsaken.
