Care Arrangements in Dementia Care Networks: Findings From the DemNet-D Study Baseline and 1-Year Follow-Up

Objective: This study was conducted to describe care arrangements for persons with dementia (PwDs) who are living at home with the support of a dementia care network (DCN). Method: Data on the utilization of formal and informal support were collected in face-to-face interviews at baseline and 1-year follow-up with PwDs and caregivers receiving support from 1 of 13 DCNs. Results: Men with dementia were supported by twice as many informal caregivers as women (2 vs. 1, respectively, p < .001). Regional differences were found in home-care nursing services, social care groups, companion home services, and day care. The care situations were considered stable by most caregivers. Discussion: DCNs appear to contribute to a high degree of perceived stability in care situations. Future research should investigate possible gender differences in informal support networks. DCNs should continue their efforts in making low-threshold services in rural areas available and accessible.