Desired characteristics and outcomes of community care services for persons with dementia: What is important according to clients, service providers and policy?

To examine views of Australian consumers, service providers and policy representatives on important characteristics and outcomes for community care.

Interviews with 32 consumers (one person with dementia (PWD) and 31 carers), 32 service providers and four policy representatives were analysed thematically.

Outcomes important to consumers and service providers were that PWD can stay at home safely with personalised activities and socialisation; and that carers receive emotional support, respite and continue paid employment. Consumers and service providers said it was important that community care services were flexible and reliable, provided adequate hours of care and there was continuity of appropriate and well-trained staff. Overall responses of policy representatives were congruent with consumers and service providers but did not comprehensively cover the issues.

Community care policies and service practices need to be re-examined to make sure that they are person-centred and reflect consumer needs, for instance by integrating client and carer services and providing appropriate activities for PWD.