Appropriate care in dementia
Care program for people with dementia
In the Netherlands, about 290,000 people have dementia. About 15,000 of them are younger than 65. According to Alzheimer Nederland, this number will grow to more than 620,000 people by 2050. Dementia is the disease that causes the most healthcare costs in the Netherlands. In 2020 the costs were €10.6 billion and this will continue to increase due to the growing number of people with dementia. After cancer and cardiovascular disease, dementia is the third most common cause of death in the Netherlands.
People with dementia need a lot of care. That is why the pharmacists' organization Pact and the health insurer have set up the program "Appropriate care for dementia. Our pharmacy participates in this program. The goal is to better align care with the stage of the disease and the wishes of the patient and informal caregiver.
Patients with dementia have a life expectancy of 6.5 years. This patient group is very needy. In order to improve care for elderly people with dementia, pharmacists' organization Pact and health insurers have set up the program "Appropriate care for dementia. Our pharmacy is affiliated with this program. The aim of this program is to better tailor care to the stage of the disease and to meet the needs of patients and also of informal caregivers.
What does this program do?
This program provides good pharmaceutical care to people with memory problems and their informal caregivers. The program helps to improve and ensure safe use of medications so that quality of life is improved or maintained. To this end, the (home) pharmacist works together with various care providers, such as general practitioners, practice support workers, geriatricians, case managers, geriatric specialists and district nurses. Through this collaboration, we can provide the best care and improve or maintain quality of life.
What can the pharmacy do for you with dementia?
The pharmacist helps care for people with dementia and their family caregivers. We make sure that medications are used correctly and that side effects are prevented.
Dementia cannot be cured. But if the disease is detected early, with the right treatment we can reduce symptoms such as gloom, pain, insomnia, aggression and anxiety. We can also slow deterioration. We ensure that people with dementia and the family caregiver feel well and have a good quality of life. We want to prevent pain and discomfort and help them stay healthy.
The pharmacy helps by advising on the safe use of medicines, making sure medicines are taken correctly and preventing unpleasant side effects.
How does appropriate care in dementia work?
Together with you and/or your family caregiver, we go through three steps. The steps relate only to the use of medication.
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Examine if there are any problems with taking the medication and if there are any side effects.
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Discussing your (and/or the caregiver's) needs and desires.
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Helping you stay as independent as possible, resolving any problems and side effects, and helping you continue to take medications safely.
These steps are repeated every six months.
What fees may pharmacies charge?
The health insurer thinks it is important that good pharmaceutical care is provided to people with memory problems and dementia. Therefore, pharmacists receive a reimbursement for this care. This may be charged to the health insurance company as an extra fee on top of the regular care costs. These costs may be covered under your deductible.