'We don't have anyone with dementia here': A case for better intersectoral collaboration for remote Indigenous clients with dementia

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Lindeman, Melissa A
Taylor, Kerry A
Kuipers, Pim
Stothers, Kylie
Piper, Karen
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2012
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Objective: This paper reports on findings related to intersectoral collaboration stemming from an evaluation of a dementia awareness resource for use in remote Aboriginal communities*. The resource includes a DVD in English and three (3) Aboriginal languages of the Northern Territory. Design: A qualitative evaluation was conducted in four Northern Territory Aboriginal communities/ organisations where the resource had been implemented by external dementia educators. The method included five focus groups with Indigenous aged care workers, community members and aged care service users (n = 26), individual interviews with health care professionals and service coordinators (n = 5), and observation. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Specific findings relating to intersectoral collaboration as a key enabling factor of effective dementia awareness and care are discussed in this paper. In addition to context variables such as understaffing and underresourcing, there might be a lack of knowledge or interest on the part of some health practitioners concerning clients with dementia within remote communities. Conclusion: Dementia awareness in remote communities needs to be tackled from a 'whole system' perspective and not be the exclusive domain of the aged care services. Strategies that increase the critical mass of informed caregivers as well as health professionals will contribute to better services.

Journal Title

Australian Journal of Rural Health

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

20

Issue

4

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biomedical and clinical sciences

Health and community services

Human society

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections