Impact Of Dementia On Alternative Level Of Care Emphasizes Need For Strategy

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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New findings regarding the impact of dementia on Alternative Level of Care (ALC) hospital stays in Canada highlights once again the need for a comprehensive strategy that reflects the high priority governments should assign to dementia care.

The Alzheimer Society in Canada is responding to a new analysis released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). The analysis, entitled Alternate Level of Care in Canada, provides a look at patients in acute care hospitals across Canada who no longer need acute services, and are waiting to be discharged to a setting more appropriate to their needs.

In this analysis, CIHI reports that overall, dementia accounted for almost one-quarter of ALC hospitalizations, and more than one-third of ALC days in 2007-2008. This accounts for approximately 1,300 of the 5,200 beds that were occupied by ALC patients in acute care hospitals.

"Hospitals are not a suitable location for people diagnosed with dementia once their acute care needs have been met, as they are often in inappropriate settings without the services or comforts appropriate to their condition," says Scott Dudgeon, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "The costs associated with the 1,300 beds and increased emergency department utilization would purchase a lot of community services more appropriate to the care requirements of people with dementia."

Being able to reduce the number of ALC beds needed by people with dementia would also assist hospitals in ensuring that acute care resources are available for others in need of them.

Currently, there are 500,000 people living with dementia in Canada. Last week, the Alzheimer Society released startling new statistics which indicate that within just five years, there may be as many as 250,000 new cases of dementia. Within a generation, the number of people in Canada living with dementia may reach as many as 1.3 million.

"Dementia is a growing problem in Canada. More than ever, provincial and federal governments must work together to develop a comprehensive strategy that reflects the high priority that should be assigned to this growing health issue," adds Dudgeon.

The Alzheimer Society is currently working to complete its study Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, which will give the full picture of the economic impact of dementia in Canada, both now and into the future. This study is scheduled for public release later in 2009.

Learn more about the need for a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy, the Alzheimer Society or Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Alzheimer Society