Improving Access to Dementia Care: Development and Evaluation of a Rural and Remote Memory Clinic

Authors

Debra G. Morgan, University of Saskatchewan
Margaret Crossley, University of Saskatchewan
Andrew Kirk, University of Saskatchewan
Carl D'Arcy, University of Saskatchewan
Norma Stewart, University of Saskatchewan
Jay Biem, Lakeshore General Hospital, Montreal
Dorothy Forbes, University of Western OntarioFollow
Sheri Harder, Loma Linda University Medical Centre
Jenny Basran, University of Saskatchewan
Vanina Dal Bello-Haas, University of Saskatchewan
Lesley McBain, First Nations University of Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2009

Journal

Aging & Mental Health

Volume

13

Issue

1

First Page

17

Last Page

30

Abstract

The availability, accessibility and acceptability of services are critical factors in rural health service delivery. In Canada, the aging population and the consequent increase in prevalence of dementia challenge the ability of many rural communities to provide specialized dementia care. This paper describes the development, operation and evaluation of an interdisciplinary memory clinic designed to improve access to diagnosis and management of early stage dementia for older persons living in rural and remote areas in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. We describe the clinic structure, processes and clinical assessment, as well as the evaluation research design and instruments. Finally, we report the demographic characteristics and geographic distribution of individuals referred during the first three years.

Notes

Published in: Aging & Mental Health, Volume 13, Issue 1 January 2009, pages 17 - 30. DOI: 10.1080/13607860802154432