A pilot programme to assist uninsured and underinsured dementia sufferers has been extended for another six months after it proved to be a success.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said that the findings from the programme would also go towards developing a “dementia action plan”.

The plan, which will be under the National Seniors Strategy, is being looked at by a workshop by the Bermuda Health Council to help identify and address the needs of dementia sufferers.

Last November, Ms Furbert announced the launch of the six-month pilot programme to ensure that dementia sufferers had proper access to community support services.

The programme was headed by NorthStar Dementia and aimed to give clients assessments, care planning and case management services, as well as giving caregivers education support.

Addressing MPs in the House on Friday, Ms Furbert said that the programme offered care to 50 dementia sufferers who were uninsured or underinsured.

It discovered that while 71 per cent had FutureCare insurance and another 25 per cent had private insurance, 87 per cent of patients were unable to contribute to the cost of services.

The majority of caregivers — 71 per cent — were also female and predominantly daughters of the sufferer, while nearly half of these caregivers also listed their stress levels as “severe”.

Nearly half of those referred for services also did not have a formal diagnosis, and 5 per cent of clients had no next of kin available to help them.

Ms Furbert said that 46 per cent of participants needed initial consultation, which involved identifying signs of dementia and preparation for care.

Another 46 per cent needed full comprehensive dementia assessments and follow-up case management services, including crisis intervention.

Ms Furbert said that after the pilot programme ended, 90 per cent of clients found the services beneficial, while the remaining clients found it “somewhat beneficial”.

Three quarters of caregivers felt “somewhat less stressed” after receiving services, while 60 per cent of those involved said they felt generally more knowledgable about dementia.

Another 75 per cent of caregivers said that they somewhat prepare to meet the needs of their patient, while the remaining quarter said they felt very prepared.

Little more than half of participants — 55 per cent — said that they had more confidence to implement care strategies, while another 55 per cent said they were more aware of dementia resources.

Ms Furbert said: “It is encouraging to see that when people have access to support services, progress occurs in the areas that are essential to help ensure quality of life.”

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Dementia Care Services Pilot Programme Update.pdf