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Pitkala KH, Laakkonen ML, Kallio EL, Kautiainen H, Raivio MM, Tilvis RS, Strandberg TE, Ohman H. Monetary value of informal caregiving in dementia from a societal perspective. Age Ageing 2021; 50:861-867. [PMID: 33000145 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is a condition which results in a high cost of care, a significant proportion of which is the cost associated with informal care. In previous studies, informal caregiving has been challenging to assess due to difficulties in estimating the true time spent on caregiving work and how to value caregivers' time. The aim of this study was to compare the costs of dementia among patients living alone and among those living with a caregiver to show the monetary value of informal caregiving from a societal perspective. METHODS Data from our four dementia trials using the same measures were combined, allowing the inclusion of 604 participants. Participants were followed up for 2 years or until death for their use of health and social services. Use of all services was retrieved from medical/social records. We also included the costs of lost productivity of those caregivers who were not retired. RESULTS The total mean cost of services and lost productivity was €22,068/person-year (pyrs). Participants living alone had a mean cost of €45,156/pyrs, whereas those living with a spouse had a mean cost of €16,416/pyrs (mean cost ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 2.64-3.39). Participants living alone and having <15 Mini-Mental State Examination points had higher costs than people with dementia in institutional care. CONCLUSIONS Detailed data of service use and characteristics of people with dementia showed that from a societal perspective, living alone is a very strong determinant of service use in dementia. Informal caregivers do invaluable work for society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisu H Pitkala
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja-Liisa Laakkonen
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
- Geriatric Clinic, Department of Social Services and Health Care, Laakso Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva-Liisa Kallio
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neuropsychology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Raivio
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reijo S Tilvis
- University of Helsinki, Clinicum, Department of Geriatrics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo E Strandberg
- University of Helsinki, Clinicum, Department of Geriatrics, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Clinics of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannareeta Ohman
- University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Clinics of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe ethical and legal issues that arise in the management of patients with disorders of consciousness ranging from the minimally conscious state to the coma state, as well as brain death. RECENT FINDINGS The recent literature highlights dilemmas created by diagnostic and prognostic uncertainties in patients with disorders of consciousness. The discussion also reveals the challenges experienced by the disability community, which includes individuals with severe brain injury who are classified as having a disorder of consciousness. We review current guidelines for management of patients with disorders of consciousness including discussions around diagnosis, prognosis, consideration of neuropalliation, and decisions around life sustaining medical treatment. SUMMARY In the setting of uncertainty, this review describes the utility of applying a disability rights perspective and shared decision-making process to approach medical decision-making for patients with disorders of consciousness. We outline approaches to identifying surrogate decision makers, standards for decision-making and decision-making processes, specifically addressing the concept of futility as a less useful framework for making decisions. We also highlight special considerations for research, innovative and controversial care, brain death, organ donation, and child abuse and neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rissman
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Erin Talati Paquette
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (by courtesy), Chicago, IL
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Werner P, Doron II. The Legal System and Alzheimer's Disease: Social Workers and Lawyers' Perceptions and Experiences. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2016; 59:478-491. [PMID: 27661790 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2016.1239235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The expected increase in the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) worldwide will be accompanied by an increase in the number of cases involving persons with AD brought up to the courts. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of social workers and lawyers regarding these cases. Three focus groups including social workers and lawyers (n = 26) were conducted. Two main themes were raised by the participants: (a) the role of social workers and lawyers in court cases regarding AD, and (b) the need for improving legal encounters involving persons with AD. Similarities and differences were found in both professionals' interpretations of these shared themes. Results of this study emphasize the need for increasing the knowledge and interprofessional training provided to social workers and lawyers involved in legal cases dealing with issues involving persons with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Werner
- a Department of Community Mental Health , University of Haifa , Haifa , Israel
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Widera E, Steenpass V, Marson D, Sudore R. Finances in the older patient with cognitive impairment: "He didn't want me to take over". JAMA 2011; 305:698-706. [PMID: 21325186 PMCID: PMC3799787 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2011.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Financial capacity can be defined as the ability to independently manage one's financial affairs in a manner consistent with personal self-interest. Financial capacity is essential for an individual to function independently in society; however, Alzheimer disease and other progressive dementias eventually lead to a complete loss of financial capacity. Many patients with cognitive impairment and their families seek guidance from their primary care clinician for help with financial impairment, yet most clinicians do not understand their role or know how to help. We review the prevalence and impact of diminished financial capacity in older adults with cognitive impairment. We also articulate the role of the primary care clinician, which includes (1) educating older adult patients and their families about the need for advance financial planning; (2) recognizing signs of possible impaired financial capacity; (3) assessing financial impairments in cognitively impaired adults; (4) recommending interventions to help patients maintain financial independence; and (5) knowing when and to whom to make medical and legal referrals. Clearly delineating the clinician's role regarding identification of financial impairment could establish for patients and families effective financial protections and limit the economic, psychological, and legal hardships of financial incapacity on patients with dementia and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Widera
- VA Medical Center 181G, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
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