“Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me”: See it!

Google “Glen Campbell” and you will find hundreds of links to stories about this famous and beloved entertainer and his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A documentary called “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me” is opening across the country during October and November 2014, to very favorable reviews. Click here to see a film trailer.

Jim and I just saw the film on its opening day here in Houston. We not only enjoyed it, but we also highly recommend that you see the film. If you miss it, you should be able to find it on Amazon or as part of your Netflix subscription.

Although the film is on a very tough subject, it is thoroughly entertaining. It is unabashedly graphic and candid. Mr. Campbell’s ordeal is described and shown, but not ruminated on. As this Variety story states, laughter outweighs tears in the film.

It is very clear to me that Mr. Campbell and his large, well-functioning, loving, courageous family are sharing their experience to help educate and warn people to plan for long-term care, due to the impending Alzheimer’s epidemic.

The family has been accused of exploiting Mr. Campbell’s condition for personal gain. How ridiculous! They already have huge wealth, and I doubt that the film will generate much money. Even though it is excellent, it’s no blockbuster.

In one of the interviews I watched (minute 3.20), Mrs. Campbell says Mr. Campbell needed not one, but two caregivers at a time to help with lesser-known Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as agitation, nightmares and hallucinations. She says that he has now progressed to Stage 6 and lives in an Alzheimer’s specific facility.

None of the articles I read or interviews I watched disclosed the cost of Mr. Campbell’s care. It is undoubtedly exorbitant. It is also obvious to me, and I will bet my entire career on this, that he does not own long-term care insurance (LTCi). I am sure that if he owned LTCi, it would have been mentioned and praised.

Yet Mrs. Campbell appears to be composed and shows few or no signs of caregiver stress. She and her children are present and involved with her husband’s care, but not shackled to his side. Good outcomes under the circumstances described, are simply a matter of having enough money. Google Glen Campbell net worth to discover he is worth $50 million. This family has so much money that the cost of giving Mr. Campbell the very best possible care is of little consequence to them.

Few of us are as wealthy as the Campbells. If we have need and want to access high quality long-term care and all the dignity associated with it, without damaging our family or finances, there is no other option than LTCi ownership.