The results of dementia care policy implementation in Eastern Taiwan

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHualien county locates in the eastern part of Taiwan is the biggest county but only 321,358 residents in Taiwan. There are 17.2% of the population over the age of 65, and the middle‐aged population migrated away for job‐seeking . Senile citizens’ health, especially dementia is a critical issue in this area.MethodMennonite Hospital Shoufeng Branch undertakes the Dementia Care Center Project of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which sets up a one‐stop diagnostic and care service to people with dementia. Dementia Care Center provided caregivers with counseling for psychological support, home environmental improvement, problem solving skills for physical caring and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Case managers link and refer resources such as long‐term care resources, acute medical services, Day‐care center, psychiatric or neurological consultation from hospitals, NGO, or the government. In addition, we provide dementia awareness and health education for ordinary people, volunteers, polices, firefighters, teachers, and students in schools.Result1,245 people with dementia were enrolled, and according to CDR classification, Mild Cognitive Impairment (CDR = 0.5) accounted for 1%, mild(CDR = 1) 32%, moderate(CDR = 2) 43%, severe(CDR = 3) 17%.A total of 936 people with dementia were referred to care resources, the first five items of referral care and long‐term care resources are home services(23%), community care stations for dementia(18%), community health stations(11%), day care center (6%)and acute medical care(4%), and 88.3% were satisfied with family services. 6,590 people were educated in the community.ConclusionThe Dementia Care Center provides accessible care resources to help families with dementia in remote areas, the goal of aging in place of the dementia could be achieved.