Research Recommendations to Address Dementia Workforce Development Needs

Abstract

This policy paper presents workforce development recommendations for research, clinical care and public stakeholders as they plan future research activities to strengthen the workforce to support the healthcare and social needs of persons living with dementia and their families and caregivers. To create these recommendations, the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (2020 Summit) convened a Workforce Development Stakeholder Workgroup. The Stakeholder Workgroup consisted of an interprofessional team of health professionals from academia, professional organizations, and the federal government with expertise in dementia workforce development. The resulting ten workforce development recommendations represent four themes: (1) Accountability by addressing progress towards implementing the 2017 Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and their Caregivers (2017 Summit) workforce recommendations; (2) Improving recruitment, retention, and job quality for direct care workers; (3) Creating a tech-savvy and culturally competent workforce; and (4) Developing educational core competencies, domains and milestones. These recommendations will positively impact the ability of persons living with dementia and their caregivers to access person- and family-centred dementia care that promotes independence and quality of life among those navigating their dementia journey.