Behind every dementia care search is a family reaching for help.
In California, those searches have soared by 145% over the last five years, according to Google Trends, signaling a growing strain as more families care for aging loved ones themselves amid limited support.
This surge reflects broader shifts tied to aging demographics, increased awareness, and mounting caregiver challenges. In this piece, we’ll explore what’s driving the trend—and what it means for the future of home care in California.
Inside the 145% Growth in Searches for Dementia Care Over the Last Five Years
Google search data shows a clear, steady rise in searches for dementia care in California over the past five years. What began as a gradual increase has now reached all-time highs, with search interest up 145%.
This shift suggests that more families are actively seeking support as they face the challenges of caring for loved ones with dementia.
The data also indicates a broader awareness of dementia, reflecting the need for quality in-home care services for California’s aging population.
What Could Be Driving the Increase?
Several factors could be contributing to the sharp rise in dementia care searches across California. From demographic shifts to caregiver burnout, these trends reveal how the state’s aging population is reshaping demand for support.
An Aging California Population
- By 2040, 1 in 4 Californians will be 65+
- Older adults are living longer, with dementia diagnoses rising
- Families are turning to Google for in-home support solutions
In California, nearly one in four residents will be over the age of 65 by 2040. As more Californians live longer, especially into their 80s and 90s, the need for at-home senior care, particularly dementia-related care, is growing rapidly. Many of these older adults will remain in their homes, so more families are seeking resources online to help them safely age in place.
Greater Awareness and Earlier Diagnoses
Public understanding of dementia is changing the way people seek care.
- Increased public education about the disease has made early signs of dementia more recognizable to families and caregivers.
- Media coverage and awareness campaigns have helped reduce stigma, encouraging earlier conversations about memory loss.
- Better diagnostic tools now allow providers to detect dementia sooner and more accurately.
- More families are planning ahead, searching for care solutions before reaching a crisis point.
🔍 This cultural shift toward early detection is a key driver behind the 145% increase in dementia care searches across California.
As public education around Dementia increases, the early signs and symptoms are becoming more easily recognized and understood. Thanks to awareness campaigns, improved screening methods, and greater media coverage, individuals and families are becoming more familiar with the early signs of the condition. As a result, more people are proactively researching dementia care options online, often well before a critical stage is reached.
Strain on Family Caregivers
The burden of dementia care is growing heavier for families.
- Most Alzheimer’s caregivers are family members (78%), often with little outside help.
- Emotional and physical exhaustion are common among family caregivers, leading to burnout and poor health outcomes.
- Balancing jobs, finances, and caregiving duties adds significant stress, especially for adult children. According to a study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, nearly 44.4% of family caregivers said their caregiving responsibilities caused them some degree of financial strain.
⚠️ As families struggle to meet growing care demands, they’re increasingly turning to Google for answers and solutions.
Oftentimes, dementia care is provided by family members at home, but the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Many primary family caregivers for dementia patients report high stress levels, and many struggle with sleep, isolation, or balancing work and care responsibilities. With limited external support and ongoing challenges in treatment, more people are searching online for help, local care services, and resources for long-term planning.
What This Means for California
As California’s elderly population grows, demand for dementia care will continue to rise. Families are looking for answers, and the state will need more trained professionals, in-home support, and community resources to meet their needs.
This surge in search interest is a clear indicator that it’s time to invest in better dementia care options for the years ahead.
If you’re searching for answers about dementia care in California, you’re not alone—and Exceptional Care is here to help. Reach out today to learn how our compassionate, in-home dementia services can support your loved one through every stage of the journey.
