About Us | Overview
The D-Care Study
This study included 2,176 people with dementia and their caregivers at four sites in the United States to compare the effectiveness of three dementia care interventions.
Usual Care provided by trained 24-Hour Helpline Specialists with the Alzheimer’s Association plus online links to local services/resources
Community-Based Dementia Care (using the Benjamin Rose Institute Care Consultation Model) provided by a specially trained Care Consultant at a community agency plus on-line links to local services/resources, and 24 hour Alzheimer’s Association Helpline.
Health System-Based Dementia Care (based on the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program) provided by a Dementia Care Specialist who works within the health care system plus 24-hour access to an on-call provider, online links to local services/resources, and 24-hour Alzheimer’s Association Helpline.
Three Approaches to Dementia Care
USUAL care
With this approach, you will receive:
A referral to the Alzheimer’s Association helpline to speak with a person for decision-making support, crisis assistance and education on issues families face every day
Referrals to local programs and services as needed
Access to a hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Additional access to an online list of local support programs and services
Community Based Dementia Care
With this approach, you will receive:
Practical and emotional support given by a trained social worker or nurse called a Care Consultant when you need it
A plan of action to address the concerns of both the person AND the caregiver
Help finding health and social services
Support to better organize and involve family members and friends in helping with caregiving responsibilities
Care, support, and services over the phone or computer; no in-person visits needed
Regular check-ins and access by phone or email as needed
With this approach, you will receive:
Care provided by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant called a Dementia Care Specialist who can write prescriptions, and will have access to the medical records to improve working with the doctor
There is an in-depth, in-person visit at a medical office to go over: medical history, any concerns, and provide education & support
The specialist works with the person and his/her doctor to make a care plan for memory issues that address both patient and caregiver needs
Face-to-face visits every year, and in-between visits, as needed
Contact after a hospitalization or emergency department visit to see if you need help
Access is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year