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Without a lifeline: Improving outcomes for patients diagnosed with dementia who do not have caregivers or family involvement in care
Author(s) -
Sitarz Claire
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.041231
Subject(s) - dementia , psychological intervention , best practice , family caregivers , medicine , nursing , health care , scope (computer science) , population , scope of practice , presentation (obstetrics) , gerontology , psychology , family medicine , disease , management , environmental health , pathology , computer science , economics , radiology , programming language , economic growth
Background Healthcare providers have long depended on caregivers or family members of persons with dementia to manage care after an appointment is over. Whether it is completing follow‐up, managing medications, or ensuring testing is completed, caregivers are typically the lifeline to medical compliance and successful treatment planning. However, not all patients have the support of a caregiver or family member; how do healthcare providers ensure adequate care for persons with dementia living independently in the community? This poster presentation will include a literature review examining best practices for persons living independently, as well as case studies providing real life examples of interventions used in our Neurology practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Through use of social services, care coordination, and communication among providers, patients are connected to resources and supports that allow them to remain independent in the community and build a network of care they would not otherwise have access to. The literature review synthesizes evidence based research that shows the scope of the problem, while case studies details successful interventions used, as well as difficulties and road blocks encountered in this population. Suggestions for best practices, as well as maintaining a focus on patient‐centered care are examined.