Challenges and Successes in Supporting People with Dementia Who Live Alone
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Yoon Chung, Lepore Michael, Gordon Kate, Tuladhar Lirisha, Menne Heather
Primary Institution: University of Maryland Baltimore
Hypothesis
What types of services are effective for people living alone with dementia?
Conclusion
A variety of services have been successfully provided to people living alone with dementia, but significant challenges remain in service delivery.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately a quarter of older adults with dementia live alone in the US.
- Grantees implemented strategies to identify and support people living alone with dementia.
- Top challenges reported include difficulty making contact and high levels of stigma associated with dementia.
Takeaway
Many older adults with dementia live alone, and programs are trying to help them, but there are still many problems to solve.
Methodology
The study examined final reports from grantees of the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative focused on people living alone with dementia.
Limitations
Challenges include difficulty contacting individuals, stigma, and low awareness of programs.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment living alone in the US.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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