Current Issues in Establishing Long-­Term Care Institutions for the Elderly with Dementia

Abstract

Socio-demographic trends related to the aging population and the increasing number of people with dementia require the development of innovative approaches and practices in the field of social services. One of the most desired approaches is the Long-­Term Care system (LTC). In recent years, significant progress has been made in strengthening the infrastructure of care for the elderly: the establishment of a legal framework, the expansion of the nonprofit sector, and the emergence of social entrepreneurship. This article presents the findings of a study of long-term care systems for older people with dementia. Expert interviews (N=33), in-depth interviews with family members (N=20), and three focus groups with social workers constitute the empirical data. The various aspects of dementia care systems were discussed, including how older people with dementia access care, the types of care they receive, and the most common forms of care. The study’s results revealed challenges associated with assessing the needs of the elderly with dementia, including issues tied to the organization of the assessment process and the behavioral characteristics of people with dementia. Family-­based care remains a prevalent form of support for the elderly with dementia. At the same time, LTC offers avenues to alleviate the burden on family caregivers of elderly individuals with dementia. Currently, semi-residential care is experiencing significant growth, but a shortage of qualified staff raises safety concerns for elderly individuals with dementia. In conclusion, it is emphasized that there is a noticeable shift in the focus of social policy towards meeting the diverse needs of the elderly population, marked by a transition towards a policy of social investment. In the field of dementia care, in addition to the expansion of specialized residential and non-residential facilities, psychological support programs for people with dementia and their caregivers are being developed, as well as professional training programs in geriatric psychiatry.