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Care services for dementia patients: predictors for service utilization
F Boersma1, J A Eefsting, W van den Brink
1Nursing Home Anna Schotanus, Heerenveen, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|January 14, 1998
Summary
Dementia care utilization is influenced by age, dementia severity, and physical health. Social networks and medical care are crucial for managing daily living activity (ADL) dependency in dementia patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Dementia care utilization patterns require examination.
- Understanding sociodemographic and health factors influencing care is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine service utilization among demented patients.
- To determine associations between patient variables and care utilization.
Main Methods:
- Population-based, two-stage cross-sectional study in The Netherlands.
- 102 demented subjects assessed across four care intensity levels.
- Sociodemographic, health, functional dependency, and dementia severity variables analyzed.
Main Results:
- 82% used formal care; 55% were institutionalized.
- Age, dementia severity, somatic disorders, ADL dependency, and marital status predicted higher care levels.
- Predictors varied across different care intensity levels.
Conclusions:
- Social networks are important for dementia care.
- General medical treatment and proactive ADL management are relevant.
- Findings inform care strategies for demented individuals.