Dementia assessment services: What are the perceptions of older people?

ObjectiveTo determine how older people with dementia and their family caregivers experience dementia assessment services and preferences for future configuration of diagnostic services. MethodsQualitative, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with nine individuals with dementia. In seven instances, the caregiver also took part in the interview, and on two occasions, the interview was with the person with dementia only. ResultsAn important contact during assessment of dementia was the general practitioner, in particular working in a way or timeframe which provides clarity and comfort to the person with dementia and their family members. A problematic factor in clear diagnosis was when probable dementia was suspected during hospitalisation for another complaint. Participants expressed a wide range of views in terms of preferred settings for diagnostic services. ConclusionThese findings highlight some key considerations, which should be included in future research leading to decisions about the design of dementia client services. Policy Impact: Person-centred practice in dementia diagnosis requires acknowledging potential diversity in views towards optimal settings for dementia assessment services. Older people with dementia and their family caregivers showed considerable diversity in their views; confidentiality was central for some yet settings which allow for peer-to-peer support were also seen as important. Practice Impact: General practitioners play a key role in supporting patients and family carers with accessing support and information both pre- and post-diagnosis. Both they and specialist geriatricians need to work in a way or timeframe which provides clarity and comfort to the person with dementia and their family members.