Edana Minghella and Kate Schneider
This is the second of two papers that aim to propose a revised model of care for dementia based on the combined findings of a number of projects undertaken by the authors.
Abstract
Purpose
This is the second of two papers that aim to propose a revised model of care for dementia based on the combined findings of a number of projects undertaken by the authors.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a conceptual discussion based on the findings from a series of projects in which the key methodologies included listening to people with dementia and carers, non‐participant observation of services, and reviews of good practice, policy and literature.
Findings
The paper challenges traditional approaches to dementia services, and offers a radical new approach, based on a five‐pronged model of care: guiding principles, the condition itself, the person with the condition, services and effectiveness.
Practical implications
This paper challenges commissioners and service planners to make a radical shift in their approach to dementia, people living with it and services and opportunities that should be in place. It proposes that dementia services should be delivered principally in the community, led by primary care, with opportunities for inclusion and social engagement. Specialist dementia services need to refocus on providing effective interventions, training, advice and support. People living with dementia have assets as well as needs; this means changing practice to work alongside people as partners in care, nurture their capacity and capabilities and recognise and pre‐empt increasing needs.
Originality/value
The revised model of care implies a radically different approach to commissioning, designing and delivering services. It is a challenging, but optimistic, model, in which high quality, focused, cost‐effective services and community developments could work together as a whole system, to make living well with dementia a real possibility.
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Edana Minghella and Kate Schneider
This is the first of two papers that aim to propose a revised model of care for dementia based on the combined findings of a number of projects undertaken by the authors.
Abstract
Purpose
This is the first of two papers that aim to propose a revised model of care for dementia based on the combined findings of a number of projects undertaken by the authors.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a conceptual discussion based on the findings from a series of projects in which the key methodologies included listening to people with dementia and carers, non‐participant observation of services, and reviews of good practice, policy and literature.
Findings
This paper reports on key messages received from people living with dementia, a revised values‐base for service development and identifying the dementia journey from the perspective of those living with dementia. The framework moves away from the medical model towards understanding dementia as a long term condition that affects a number of dimensions.
Practical implications
Through understanding the dementia journey from the perspective of people living with dementia, it is possible to design and implement a range of services that help people plan for and manage their own journeys, provide interventions proactively and help prevent crises. Person‐centred outcomes can be identified, linked to, or cutting across, each of the phases the journey. Experiences are likely to improve, and resources can be targeted more efficiently and effectively.
Originality/value
The authors identify a six‐phase dementia journey from the perspective of people living with dementia, based on a set of values informed by people who have dementia and their carers.