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Early intervention in dementia care in an Asian community: lessons from a dementia collaborative project
- Authors:
- SEABROOKE Viniti, MILNE Alisoun
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing, 10(4), December 2009, pp.29-36.
- Publisher:
- Pier Professional
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
The number of older Asians in the UK, and therefore at risk of developing dementia is increasing. The emerging need to address early diagnosis is especially prominent in areas where Asian communities are long established. Set up under the auspices of the South East Dementia Services Collaborative, this pilot project aimed to raise awareness of memory problems and facilitate access to early intervention for older Asians in North West Kent. Using an evaluation methodology adopted by the Collaborative and working through a multi-agency steering group, the project identified an appropriate primary care practice, established a link with a specially trained Asian nurse and devised a set of project materials. By inviting older Asian patients with memory problems to make an appointment with the nurse, and enclosing a culturally relevant information leaflet, older people were encouraged to come forward. The project outcomes include significantly increased referral rates from black and minority ethnic communities to specialist services and greater awareness of dementia-related issues in both primary care and Asian care services. Overall, the evaluation suggests that by engaging with a committed primary care practice it is possible to engage a hitherto marginal group of older people in early intervention in dementia and raise awareness about its benefits.
Early intervention and dementia care: innovation and impact
- Authors:
- SEABROOKE Viniti, MILNE Alisoun
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 15(1), 2014, pp.34-45.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact and effectiveness of two early intervention services in NW Kent. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered via evaluation questionnaires for both projects; these included quantitative post-intervention data and qualitative comments. Data on referrals to secondary care and a specialist third sector organisation were also collected for the primary care project. Findings: Findings from the primary care project indicate that targeting a specific age cohort of patients can be effective in terms of: early identification of dementia-related concerns, the provision of support, appropriate referrals to secondary care, and increased referrals to a third sector dementia service. At the end of the project most practitioners felt they were better informed about dementia, more committed to facilitating early diagnosis, and had gained confidence in using a screening tool (the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition Test). Evidence from evaluating the Carers Group suggests that attendance helped members manage emotional difficulties, increased understanding of dementia, and enhanced coping skills. They also felt less isolated and knew how to access support services. Practical implications: The projects offer two models of intervention: how a proactive third sector agency can work with primary care professionals to enhance commitment to dementia case finding and the provision of group support to relatives of those in receipt of a recent dementia diagnosis. Originality/value: The study provides insights into early intervention in dementia care how to evaluate impact of effectiveness. (Publisher abstract)