How Linked Are Physicians to Community Support Services for Their Patients With Dementia?

Abstract

Physicians increasingly are expected to link patients affected by dementia and theirfamilies with community support services; yet, little is known about physicians' referral patterns or their fa miliarity with such services. This study of 206 physicians found that respondents were more likely to refer dementia patients and families to home health agencies and nursing homes than to respite or adult day care, the local Alzheimer's Association, or the local Area Agency on Aging. Physicians with more than 20 dementia patients in their practices were most likely to refer. Un certainty about available community services was ranked higher than time or reimbursement constraints as a barrier to care for dementia patients. Physicians in practice 1 to 5 years were more uncertain about available services than physicians in practice more than 20 years. Crea tive interventions to link physicians with community support services specializing in dementia care would benefit physicians, patients, and family caregivers.