Understanding the Obstacles to Uptake of Intervention Programmes and Services for Persons with Dementia

摘要

Background: Utilisation of intervention programmes and services for Persons with Dementia(PWD) has been generally modest despite the growing numbers. One reason has been the lack ofknowledge about dementia and information on such services.Objective: We sought to close this gap by providing caregivers with an information session aboutdementia and the importance and availability of related services. We explored the uptake of interventionprogrammes and services and reasons for non-uptake thereafter.Methods: Two hundred and seventy-five PWD and caregiver dyads attended the Dyad Education andEmpowerment Programme (DEEP). At the DEEP, while caregivers underwent an information session,PWD were assessed by a multidisciplinary team on their need and suitability for programmes andservices such as daycare, cognitive engagement programmes and physical rehabilitation. The dyads thenreceived individualized recommendations on the appropriate services, if any. Follow-up through medicalrecords review and phone calls was conducted one month after DEEP to ascertain if the dyads had actedupon the recommendations and if not, what difficulties they encountered.Results: One hundred and eleven PWD received recommendations, of which 40 (36.0%) agreed andenrolled in the services while 71 (64%) declined. Thematic analysis of the reasons for non-uptakerevealed 3 themes: PWD-related factors (e.g., refusal, functional improvement or decline), caregiverrelatedfactors (adequacy of care at home, other care arrangements), and service-related factors (e.g.,cost, timing).Conclusion: Despite adequate information, there are other reasons for non-uptake of dementia- relatedservices, some of which should be addressed to improve service updates and to provide better care forPWD.