Dementia in home geriatric care program

Abstract

Introduction: Life expectancy in Spain is the highest in the European Union, standing at 83.4 years (European average 80.9 years). Data published by the WHO shows that there are 50 million people worldwide with dementia. Alzheimer’s Type Dementia (ATD) is the most common form common dementia, representing 60-70% of all dementias. Interventions with caregivers and training in symptom management, both cognitive and behavioral, have shown more efficient than pharmacological treatment. Families assume 85% of the cost of their care. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of dementia and the profile of caregivers in the Home Geriatric Care Program (AGD) of the Insular Hospital of Lanzarote. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Patients treated at AGD in 2018. Results: The sample consists of 214 patients, with a mean age of 84.73 years (Sx 7.37). Regarding sex, the sample corresponds to 73.4% (157) women and 26.6% (57) men. Barthel index score was 41.5 (Sx 30.12), GDS of 3.58 (Sx 1.85) and a Frailty index of 0.47 (Sx0,12). Polypharmacy ([ 5 drugs) was 75.7%. The reason for consultation was mainly due to immobility (32.7%) and conduct disorder (26.2%). The caregiver profile was the couple (10.3%); siblings (47.6%), paid caregiver (35.5%). 90.2% of sample were living with their family. Conclusions: We are visiting people with advanced age and high level of dependence. Families assume most of the cost of care. The main reasons for home care are dementia, immobility and conduct disorders. The profile of the caregiver are family members.