The Journey Towards Community-Based Dementia Care: The Destination, Roadmap, Guide, Tour Group and the Conditions

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Societies globally are experiencing a significant increase in the number of persons living with dementia (PLWD).
• The Canadian experience with managing dementia is not unique and mirrors challenges faced by other developing nations.
• Existing research, such as Morton-Chang et al. (2016), highlights the need for effective coping strategies for aging populations.
• This study addresses the growing societal burden of dementia from a European, specifically Dutch, viewpoint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the ideal future state ('there') for managing persons living with dementia.
• To outline a strategic roadmap for achieving this future state.
• To identify key stakeholders, necessary support systems, and essential conditions for successful dementia care planning.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of dementia care challenges.
• Exploration of European and Dutch perspectives on aging and dementia.
• Conceptual framework development for a dementia care roadmap.

Main Results:

• The paper posits that a clear vision of the desired future state in dementia care is crucial.
• It emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders.
• Essential conditions for successful implementation include supportive policies and societal engagement.

Conclusions:

• A proactive and well-defined roadmap is necessary to navigate the complexities of increasing dementia prevalence.
• The European/Dutch perspective offers valuable insights into potential strategies for global dementia care.
• Successful dementia care requires a shared vision, defined roles, and enabling environmental conditions.