Toward integrated services for dementia: a formal carer perspective

Purpose - Policy has identified the need for integrated dementia services for older people. However, the role of the formal carer within an integrated framework of service delivery has not been well articulated in practice. The aim of this paper is to understand the experiences of formal carers working with the context of an integrated dementia service by exploring findings from a research-based evaluation. Design/methodology/approach - The evaluation captured the experiences of formal carers working within the service via observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Findings - Working with an integrated service brings about individual, social and organisational challenges to the role of the formal carer, in terms of: delivering flexibility and responsiveness, providing continuity of care, ensuring cross-organisational working and acquiring skills, knowledge and expertise. Originality/value - To facilitate the successful delivery of integrated care, the emerging role of the formal carer needs to be more clearly articulated and supported within a service context.