Dissemination of person-centered community care for mild dementia using local cooperatives in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

BackgroundTo promote aging in place and improve the quality of life for persons with mild dementia during COVID‐19 pandemic, there is a need to support them in their community in‐person approach. Therefore, person‐centered community care for individual service and support in the community is an urgent priority. This study aimed to develop a person‐centered community service for mild dementia patient to collaborate with local cooperatives and test its feasibility.MethodsThis study was done from March to December, 2020. The person centered community service manual was developed based on previous guidelines and studies. The manual guided person‐centered assessment, tailored intervention, and outcome evaluation based on six domains; person‐hood, daily life, cognitive health, physical activity, safety, and community support. The local cooperatives for community care participated to provide comprehensive needs assessment and individualized service to the community residents with mild dementia. The staff visited the patient’s home and provide individual service. The feasibility study was tested with the staff and patients.ResultsThis study found that the service was effective for initial rapport, comprehensive assessment, individualized planning, person‐centered service provision, referral to community service, and outcome evaluation. However, service provider’s increased workloads and the time for home visiting and completing the service were identified as barriers during pandemic period. In addition, service providers still experienced lack of knowledge and skills in enhancing safety such as precaution and social distancing.ConclusionThe person‐centered community service can be useful to enhance the safe and sustainable community services during COVID‐19 pandemics. Collaboration with local cooperatives can be the best practices through the well‐designed manual.