LAUSR

Background: An estimated 18,000 people with dementia (PwD) are potentially living alone within the community in Ireland (Pierce et al., 2014). PwD living alone are at high risk of admission to long-term care but little is known about their support needs or the feasibility and associated costs of supporting them to remain living at home. Methods: A mixed methods study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Intensive Homecare Packages (IHCPs) supporting PwD to return home from hospital or remain living at home. Quantitative secondary data provides information on content and costs of the IHCPs and profiles of IHCP recipients. Data relating to PwD living alone were analysed separately. Interviews were conducted with health service staff and with a sample of PwD living alone and/or their family carer as part of a larger in-depth study. Results: Of 217 PwD receiving an IHCP, 31% were identified as living alone, the majority being women (78%), two-thirds widowed (66%). Dependency among PwD living alone was high, with almost two-thirds (64%) rated as high/maximum dependency (Barthel Index). From the in-depth study, we know that IHCPs work by complementing family caregivers providing highly intensive care, sometimes overnight or on a temporary live-in basis. IHCPs are also supporting some PwD with lower dependency who live completely alone with no family members nearby, but caring from a distance. Conclusion: IHCPs are feasible to support PwD living alone to remain at home. This unique piece of research provides detailed information on the profile and support needs of PwD living alone, potentially guiding how the health and social care system could be designed to support PwD to remain living at home for as long as possible. Reference Pierce M., Cahill S., O’Shea E. Prevalence and Projections of Dementia in Ireland, 2011–2046. Dublin, Ireland: Trinity College Dublin, 2014.