Perceptions of people living with dementia regarding patient‐centred aspects of their care and caregiver support

Abstract

Objective This study examined the perceptions of a sample of Australian people living with dementia regarding the person‐centred care and support they received from health professionals and family. Methods Community‐dwelling people living with dementia were invited to complete a cross‐sectional survey. Results Seventy‐one people participated in the study. More than 90% agreed that health professionals explain who they are, why they are seeing them and listen to what they have to say; 63% agreed that health professionals ask how they would like to be involved in decisions about treatment; 78% agreed health professionals mainly speak to them rather than anyone accompanying them; 76% reported their family ‘support you to do tasks by yourself’, and 36% indicated that family caregivers ‘get frustrated with you’. Conclusions Results suggest that people living with dementia have a positive perception of the care and support they receive. Improvements may be needed in how health professionals speak directly to the person living with dementia when exploring how they would like to be involved in treatment decisions. Family caregivers may benefit from education and support on how they can manage frustrations and assist the person they support to maintain their independence.