Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng MW, Yuen KL, Ching WK, Li LY, Leung SL, Kwok HY, Lo WT, Yau CY,Siu TY, Mak HC
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy, North District Hospital
Introduction :
Caring for people with dementia are profoundly challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with dementia are at risk of infection because they may not adequately comprehend, execute or recall the suggested public health measures. In addition, the reduced outdoor activities and visits by family, suspension of healthcare and social services have adverse impacts upon their overall health and quality of life. Caregivers may feel frustrated and helpless of being confined at home with their cared ones. To tackle these challenges, occupational therapists in North District Hospital have developed a Home Training Package (HTP) with tele-care for patients with mild to moderate dementia to improve the service accessibility. Patients and caregivers could continue the rehabilitation at home to prevent the possible worsening of cognitive, emotion and behavioral conditions.
Objectives :
(1) Formulate patient-centered care plan, (2) Develop an individualized HTP, (3) Empower caregivers in program implementation, (4) Provide Tele-consultation. The HTP consists of 3 core day-to-day activities instruments that are beneficial to people with dementia: (1) Cognitive Stimulation, (2) Functional Enhancement, (3) Social Participation.
Methodology :
A care experience survey was conducted. Subjects: (1) Patients with mild to moderate dementia attending occupational therapy, (2) Caregivers readiness for the program. Outcomes measures: (1) Utilization of the HTP and Tele-care, (2) Users’ satisfaction, (3) Related parameters for Cognitive, Activities of Daily Living and Social Participation.
Result & Outcome :
From August 2020, 42 patients completed 8 weeks home-based program. The usage of the HTP ranged from 2 to 7 times with average of 3.5 times weekly as indicated in the Activity Log Book. The average cost of HTP was around HK$200. All the caregivers highly valued the training and demonstration session about the use of the HTP by occupational therapists during the initial in-hospital therapy. Cognitive Stimulation games, Reality Orientation Board, and Community Engagement Worksheet were the most popular training activities in HTP. Caregivers reported the monthly Tele-consultation on the performance monitoring were useful. 90% (38) of the caregivers reported they would continue the use of the HTP with ongoing supports from Occupational Therapy. Conclusion: The use of HTP with Tele-care empower the patient and caregiver to conduct the prescribed training competently at home.
