Care needs assessment of older Chinese individuals with dementia of Hong Kong

Using the Care Needs Assessment Pack for Dementia (CarenapD), the care needs of older Hong Kong Chinese individuals with dementia were investigated in the present study. A convenience sample of 197 community-dwelling older adults with dementia, with a mean age of 77, was examined. Among the participants, 71 were classified with a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 1 ( mild impairment), 100 with a CDR score of 2 ( moderate impairment), and 26 with a CDR score of 3 ( severe impairment). CarenapD, consisting of 57 activity/behavioural items, was used to evaluate the status of care needs as 'No', 'Met' or 'Unmet' in seven domains of functioning. The results suggested that the care needs of participants with increasing severity of cognitive impairment became diversified and evident in activities related to complex and instrumental daily living tasks, social interaction, thinking and memory, and behaviour and mental state. Unmet care needs were identified in 10 items that are mainly associated with social interaction, memory, and mental state. Formal service providers are suggested to formulate support services that are appropriate to address the care needs for persons with dementia and family carers.