Factors Influencing the Coordination of Community General Support Centers in Providing Life Support to Older Adults with Dementia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors related to community general support centers providing life support to older adults with dementia, while seeking suggestions for improving coordination among dementia patients.

Methods: The study focused on the staff at community general support centers. The questionnaire included personal attributes, a coordination scale, knowledge of dementia (five factors), face-to-face relationships (seven factors ), elements of collaboration among the three professions (four factors), annual participation in community care meetings, and regional diagnoses. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using the scales of community general support centers to provide life support to older adults with dementia as an objective variable.

Results: A total of 259 participants were included in the analysis. Significant differences were observed in the “Basic understanding of dementia” subscale of understanding of dementia-related knowledge (β＝0.203, p＝0.009). Additionally, differences were noted in the “Understanding local resources” subscale (β＝0.176, p＝0.008), and the “Sharing mutual activities” subscale of elements of collaboration among the three professions (β＝0.159, p＝0.015). Finally, significant differences were observed in regional diagnoses (β＝0.109, p＝0.026).

Discussion: It is essential to understand dementia, local resources, and the area in charge, including mutual understanding among the three professions. The practice of district diagnoses and local care meetings was considered way to link these in practical activities.