Expert estimates of caregiver hours for older Singaporeans with dementia

Abstract

Aim: To obtain experts' estimates of the number of non-medical care hours required by older Singaporeans at different stages of ageing-related dementia, with low or high behavioural features.

Methods: Experts on dementia in Singapore attended one of two meetings where they provided estimates of the number of care hours required for individuals at mild, moderate and severe levels of dementia with either low or high behavioural features. The experts were shown the collated responses, given an opportunity to discuss as a group, and then polled again.

Results: The estimated mean care hours varied by dementia severity and the level of behavioural features. There was no interaction between dementia severity and behavioural features.

Conclusion: Estimated care hours needed by individuals with dementia is independently influenced by severity of dementia and behavioural features. These estimates may be useful for policy-makers in projecting the impact of caregiving.