Dementia Care Nurse - Feasibility study of outreach assistance for people with dementia and their family carers

Abstract

Dementia Care Nurse - Feasibility study of outreach assistance for people with dementia and their family carers Abstract. Background: Case management for dementia is stipulated in the German national dementia strategy. The effectiveness of case management has been investigated many times, yet the results are heterogeneous. On the contrary, the implementation processes of case management concepts have to date rarely been described or evaluated in detail. Aim: The aim of the project was to analyze the implementation of an outreaching assistance for people with dementia and to explore the changes in care, acceptance, and also facilitators and barriers to the implementation. Methods: Between 08 / 2018 and 07 / 2019, outreaching assistance for people with dementia and their family carers was implemented. Quantitative and qualitative data were prospectively collected using semi-standardised interviews in the context of outreach assistance. Results: A total of 113 people with dementia were included in the study, and for the most part family carers could be involved. On average, eight contacts took place over a period of 74 days. The areas of need and support were diverse. The use of support services increased by 19 % after the end of the intervention. Conclusions: The implementation of continuous and processual support for people with dementia and their carers is possible, whereby the structure and procedure should be transparent. A comprehensive orientation and networking is beneficial. The effectiveness of the intervention remains to be investigated in a controlled study.