An examination of the performance efficiency among dementia community support coordinators in Akita Prefecture

Abstract

Aim:To consider what is necessary to ensure the efficient performance of dementia community support coordinators. Methods: In Akita Prefecture, we conducted a simple questionnaire survey of dementia community support coordinators in 25 municipalities to clarify the current status of their activities and examine what needs to be done to develop their projects more efficiently.Results: It became clear that residents were not aware of the existence of these coordinators, underscoring the need to publicize their existence and activities. The lack of tools to improve the publicʼs understanding of social resources for sharing information on building a support system was also demonstrated. In terms of cooperation, it was found that, despite the establishment of cooperation with IPIST and the medical center for dementia, cooperation with dementia support coordinators was insufficient. Furthermore, we confirmed that support coordinators were not very involved in the creation and activities of dementia care paths. Conclusions: Based on the above findings, we propose five points to support further efficient development. 1. Disseminate information to inform local residents about dementia community support coordinators, 2. Collaborate with dementia support coordinators and the welfare commissioner, 3. Create social resource maps and facilitate their understanding and establish dementia care path activities, 4. Create a work environment where dementia community support coordinators do not have to work concurrently, and 5. Create learning opportunities to improve understanding of the overall dementia policy.