Jayme Warner

Support and Resources for Loved Ones of Individuals with Dementia

Department: Rural And Underserved Utah Training Experience & Regional Affairs

According to IBIS, Cache Valley has an average lifespan of 81 years, and with such longevity comes the increased risk for neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia. One gap in healthcare that has been felt by patients and observed by physicians practicing in Logan is the lack of a consolidated list of resources for the loved ones of individuals who are diagnosed with dementia. When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, they are often left with many questions, which can feel overwhelming and leave them unsure of where to even begin. Interviews of community members, patients and healthcare professionals were conducted, as well as a brief literature review to formulate how a resource document could be created and disseminated. Ultimately, resources, both local resources and global, were compiled onto a Google Site and organized in a way that would be straightforward for someone who may be feeling overwhelmed. Once the Site was published, referral pads containing the Site’s name, URL and QR code were printed and disseminated throughout Internal Medicine and Neurology at the Budge Clinic in Logan, as well as at Bear River Health Department, Cache Senior Center and Hyrum Senior Center. Additionally, sunflower lanyards from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower were ordered and disseminated to the same locations for individuals who want them and cannot afford to buy one. Hopefully, these resources will help bring awareness to neurocognitive disease and give loved ones a starting point.