Exploring the social value and design preferences for a home-based dementia community program in Australia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Economics
• Public Health

Background:

• Home-based care is increasingly emphasized for dementia support over residential options.
• Evidence-based interventions are crucial for improving quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.
• Understanding the economic and social value of such programs is vital for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the monetary value and relative importance of program characteristics for a home-based dementia intervention in Australia.
• To assess the willingness to pay for specific attributes of the intervention among the Australian adult population.
• To inform the design and policy surrounding dementia care at home.

Main Methods:

• A discrete choice experiment was employed, guided by expert and consumer co-design.
• Attributes included number of sessions, delivery mode (in-person vs. telehealth), primary outcome, program focus, and cost.
• Data were collected from a representative sample of 940 Australian adults.

Main Results:

• Respondents demonstrated a high overall willingness to pay, exceeding the program's actual costs.
• In-person sessions were preferred over telehealth.
• Improving mood, dementia-related behaviors, and daily independence were highly valued outcomes.
• Individuals with prior home care experience showed a greater monetary valuation of the program.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant public support and economic value for home-based dementia care interventions in Australia.
• Findings support the expansion of in-person, outcome-focused home care services for people with dementia.
• The research provides evidence to guide policy and program design, emphasizing social value and user preferences.