The dementia care system in the eight RTPC European countries

• Introduction: Exploring the care and service activities offered throughout the trajectory of dementia is an opportunity for countries to learn from each other. As part of the RightTimePlaceCare project’s general objective to develop best practice strategies this presentation describes development, content and application of a template to explore the dementia health, social care and welfare systems from early sign, diagnosis, intermediate and moderate stage and to the late stage of the disease. It also describes some of the findings with regard to the chain of care and service for people with dementia.Method: A step-wise consensus procedure was applied to identify, define and develop a template covering care and service throughout the disease trajectory. In addition the professionals involved were identified and defined as for their educational level.Results: In total 50 care and service activities compiled in seven groups were identified: 1) Screening, diagnostic procedure, treatment of dementia and complications; 2) Outpatient care facilities; 3) Care at home; 4) Institutional care; 5) Palliative care; 6) Informal caregiving and support; 7) Civic activities. The largest differences in terms of availability were found for care activities specifically for people with dementia. Non-pharmacological treatment was not commonly utilized in whilst pharmacological treatment for BPSD was common. Also education and social support to family caregivers was sparsely utilized.Conclusion: The care and service offered to people with dementia and family caregivers covers a wide range of activities. Facilities specifically for dementia varies among countries.There are more similarities among countries than differences.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

dementia care system

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)