The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to promoting health systems change through evidence-based care delivery and accreditation models for dementia care and the care of older adults. The following are evidence-based dementia care models and opportunities for accreditation the Alzheimer’s Association’s health systems directors can support your health system or practice to implement.
Dementia care models
UCLA ADC Program
The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care program helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia – and their families – navigate the complex care needs associated with a diagnosis. Dementia Care Specialists (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) work alongside a patient's primary care team to create and implement personalized, adaptable care plans focused on maintaining a patient’s independence and functioning, and minimizing caregiver stress. UCLA offers technical assistance to institutions implementing this care model.
UCSF Care Ecosystem
The University of California San Francisco's Care Ecosystem provides personalized, cost-efficient care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers through telephone and web-based intervention. The model consists of care team navigators and clinicians, care protocols and curated resources to help the growing population affected by dementia. A toolkit is available to health systems, clinics and community organizations wishing to implement the Care Ecosystem model.
Indiana University ABC Program
The evidence-based Aging Brain Care (ABC) program addresses brain health in community dwelling adults at risk for or living with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Home-based assessments, protocol-driven interventions, caregiver education and support, and interdisciplinary care teams are at the core of the ABC model. Program implementation comes with technical assistance and training, resources and sustainability support.
BRI Care Consultation
Benjamin Rose Institute (BRI) Care Consultation® is a care-coaching model that equips adults with health conditions and their caregivers to make thoughtful, lasting improvements to their care situations. Delivered by telephone and email, the consumer-directed program empowers patients and families to manage short- and long-term needs through ongoing assessment, action planning and support. Nonprofit and commercial organizations have flexible implementation options with proven benefits.
Integrated Memory Care
The Integrated Memory Care (IMC) program establishes a single hub for patient-centered care for individuals living with dementia and their families. The model brings together trained nurse practitioners, geriatricians, neurologists and clinical social workers as a patient’s primary care team. Services include but are not limited to preventative care, support with managing dementia-related behaviors, confidential visits for care partners, counseling and referrals to specialists as needed.
MIND at Home
The Maximizing Independence at Home (MIND at Home®) dementia care navigation program addresses the various, complex care needs of a person living with dementia and their caregivers to help them stay well at home longer. The family-centered model seeks to avoid premature transitions in care, poor quality of life, hospitalizations and caregiver stress. Adaptable implementation programs are available to diverse organizations and institutions.
Accreditation programs for older adult care
Age-Friendly Health Systems
A model of care that incorporates person-centered dementia care into a broader framework for the care of older adults. Age-friendly care:
- Follows an essential set of evidence-based practices.
- Causes no harm.
- Aligns with “What Matters” to the older adult and their family caregivers.
Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA)
The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation was developed by leaders in emergency medicine to ensure that older patients receive well-coordinated, quality care at the appropriate level at every emergency department encounter. This includes:
- Ensuring geriatric-focused education and interdisciplinary staffing.
- Providing standardized approaches to care that address common geriatric issues.
- Ensuring optimal transitions of care from the emergency department to other settings (inpatient, home, community-based care, rehabilitation, long-term care).
- Promoting geriatric-focused quality improvement and enhancements of the physical environment and supplies.
The GUIDE Model
Introduced in late 2023, the GUIDE Model focuses on dementia care management and aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, including preventing or delaying nursing home placement and remaining in their homes and communities, as well as reducing strain on their unpaid caregivers. It aims to achieve these goals through a comprehensive package of care coordination and care management, caregiver education and support, and respite services, including 24/7 access to a support line and caregiver training, education and support services.
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Contact our health systems directors team to learn more about resources available from the Alzheimer's Association or for help transforming your dementia care practice.
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