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How do community-living individuals with dementia and their care partners use home- and community-based services?
Dr. Julia Burgdorf, Ph.D.
Center for Home Care Policy & Research
New York, NY - United States
Background
According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report, an estimated 70% of older adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementia live in the community. Studies have found that many individuals living with dementia often prefer to “age in place” or live independently in one’s own home and community. This can foster a sense of belonging and improve overall quality of life.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia living in the community have unique and significant care needs. They rely on home- and community-based services (HCBS) to safely age in place. HCBS refers to a range of supportive and health care services delivered in home and community settings, including Medicare-funded home health care, Medicaid-funded personal care, and family caregiving.
Research Plan
To understand more about HCBS use among community-living people with dementia, Dr. Julia Burgdorf and colleagues will use data from two large health plans serving older individuals dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. The team will study the types and intensity of HCBS used and identify individual and cultural factors associated with variation in use. The researchers will also conduct interviews with care partners who assist individuals with dementia to learn more about their challenges and preferences related to accessing HCBS.
Impact
The findings will shed light on the services used by community-living individuals with dementia and their experiences with those services. The results may inform future efforts to support individuals with dementia living at home.
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