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A Study on Current Status and Future Directions for Dementia Management of Seoul

Author: 
Chang-Woo ShonㆍJung-Ah Kim

The prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among seniors over 65 has increased 24% for 5 years and an explosion of dementia patients is expected after 2026 when old population would exceed 20% of total population in Seoul. At this point, in September, 2017, the government announced ‘National Responsibility Policy for Dementia Care’ which set up District Dementia Support Center in public health center through cities and towns throughout the country. However, this plan just expands dementia management projects of Seoul, running District Dementia Support Center in each 25 district. Against a backdrop of this situation, this study grasps the needs of healthcare and convalescence services of dementia patients, information unmet needs of guardians, the need of education and training program dementia managing workers to suggest future directions for existing dementia management in Seoul. We conducted surveys and in-depth interviews to dementia patients and their guardians, dementia managing workers in District Dementia Support Centers, Day Care Centers certified by Seoul City, Aged Care Facilities, and dementia beds in healthcare facilities. Given stigma of dementia, unmet needs of dementia patients and their guardians, and the needs of education program among dementia managing workers, policies are needed to improve dementia awareness in community, systemize educational programs for workers, set dementia consultation call center and information sharing system among institutions.