Experiences from designing and implementing integrated health and social care systems for aging populations in low-resource settings around the world

Book: Dementia Care and Provision in the Majority World
Pages: 191-202
Publisher: Routledge

ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses innovative integrated, adaptive, and collaborative service models designed to address the growing prevalence of dementia in low- and middle-income countries. These models aim to overcome the challenges of a limited healthcare infrastructure, lack of dementia-specific training for healthcare professionals, and cultural misconceptions about dementia. Three service models are discussed: the hub-and-spoke model in Nepal, telemedicine for dementia care in Nigeria, and the INTRINSIC services in Greece. Each model overcomes spatial barriers through telehealth and/or interlinked networks of healthcare professionals and services, providing cost-effective, culturally sensitive care. They emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, ongoing care, and community engagement to reduce stigma and improve dementia care outcomes. The chapter also highlights the need for such services to be tailored to local contexts and the importance of continuous training and education for healthcare workers to ensure effective dementia care.