Aims: To characterise the provision of formal and informal community care for patients diagnosed with dementia at our hospital memory clinic, and evaluate hospital admissions, presentations and length of stay over the 24-month period following diagnosis.
Method: A retrospective case series of 100 patients, newly diagnosed with Dementia between January 2021 to January 2022 was conducted. Dementia severity, functional dependence, access to formal community services, and informal caregiver support was assessed at diagnosis. Subsequent hospital presentations, admissions, and post-discharge outcomes, 2 years post diagnosis were then reviewed, with statistical analysis of descriptive and comparative methods to identify trends.
Results: Amongst the 100 patients, the mean age was 82 years old (66 – 96 years) and mean MMSE score at diagnosis was 20.34, with most patients categorised as mild or moderate Dementia. At diagnosis, 69% of patients had no access to formal community services, with no association between functional dependence and service access. Presence of informal carers was associated with an absence of community services. Daily or live-in carer contact was utilised by 84% of patients. Patients without services trended to higher hospital presentation rates, separations and longer admission durations.
Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of limited community service utilisation for those with Dementia, despite functional dependence and increased reliance on informal caregivers to bridge gaps. These further impact hospital utilisation. Our findings support the National Dementia and Aged Care recommendations for early intervention and strengthened community support.