【Post-Event Report】Conference on Challenges and Responses in the Development of Dementia Care Services (Part 2)
Dr. Chen Hong-Ru, Director of the Dementia Collaborative Care Center at Taipei City Wanfang Hospital – “Challenges in Dementia Care: Perspectives from Urban Hospitals”
Dr. Chen Hong-Ru shared the challenges of dementia care from the perspective of urban hospitals during his speech. Dr. Chen pointed out that interdisciplinary communication and coordination are among them. Different departments are busy with their own tasks, requiring more time and effort to coordinate effectively. Additionally, workload among professional staff is a challenge, particularly regarding disease certification, where tasks need to be divided, but the workload continues to increase.
Another challenge is the implementation of education and training. Dr. Chen mentioned that despite offering numerous courses, people’s capacity to absorb information is limited, and there are trust issues regarding online courses. Moreover, applying learned knowledge to caregiving work is also a challenge. Safety issues are also highlighted, especially concerning the safety risks posed by patients’ agitation and the appropriate use of multiple medications.
During the speech, Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of dedicated space and a friendly environment for dementia care. He suggested providing dedicated spaces for dementia patients and establishing a friendly environment to enhance the quality of care. These measures will help improve the quality of care and the quality of life for dementia patients.
Dr. Wu Shan-Hung, Director of the Traditional Acupuncture Department at Taipei Medical University Hospital, discussed “The Application and Challenges of Traditional Chinese Medicine Care in Dementia Care.”
Dr. Wu Shan-Hung pointed out in his speech that treating dementia patients presents numerous challenges, particularly as the condition progresses, leading to issues such as memory decline, psychiatric symptoms, hallucinations, and auditory hallucinations. The role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in this context is to slow down the progression of symptoms, reduce patient discomfort, and enhance their quality of life.
Dr. Wu further introduced the treatment methods of TCM in dementia care, including Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture therapy, and auricular therapy. These methods can improve patients’ cognitive function, emotional status, and alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and hallucinations. He emphasized the personalized nature of TCM treatment, tailoring treatment plans according to the specific conditions of each patient, and provided evidence and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of TCM in dementia treatment.
In addition to hospital treatment, Dr. Wu also mentioned the role of TCM in community care. He advocated for the establishment of TCM care institutions in communities to provide more convenient services for dementia patients and their families. At the same time, he stressed the importance of communication and cooperation between physicians, communities, and families to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care and support.
Dr. Zhang Jia-Qi, Dean of the Taipei Medical University Interdisciplinary College, presented on “Empowering and Supporting Dementia Caregivers through the iSupport Program.”
Dean Zhang Jia-Qi introduced the iSupport program of the Taipei Medical University Interdisciplinary College during her speech, aimed at empowering and supporting caregivers of dementia patients. She pointed out the increasing importance of the role played by family caregivers due to the aging population. Therefore, the program is dedicated to providing support and training to these caregivers. Dean Zhang mentioned the origin and goals of the program, hoping that by 2025, more than seventy percent of dementia family caregivers will receive support and training, while also aiming to raise public awareness and foster a friendly attitude towards dementia.
Furthermore, Dean Zhang introduced the major developments of the program, including the introduction of the WHO’s “iSupport” program to Taiwan and its adaptation through translation and cultural adjustment, as well as providing support through websites and other tools. She mentioned the challenges faced by family caregivers during the pandemic and how the program helps them through online education and support. Dean Zhang also shared the program’s impact assessment, indicating a significant improvement in caregivers’ quality of life and mental health, as well as enhancing their ability to cope with dementia-related behavioral problems.
Finally, Dean Zhang proposed future promotion plans, including collaboration with other partners, training of promoters, and optimization of program content. She urged those interested in participating to join this promotion program, emphasizing that all resources provided are free of charge.
Through this seminar, we have gained a profound understanding of the challenges facing dementia care services, while also identifying key measures to address these challenges. The government should strengthen collaborative efforts to promote the development of community care networks, enhance early screening and diagnostic mechanisms for dementia in hospitals, promote the application of traditional Chinese medicine therapy, and support home-based care, as well as fully leverage technological applications. These initiatives will help improve the quality of life for dementia patients and their families, alleviate caregiving stress, and lay the foundation for a more caring and supportive social environment. We look forward to the collective efforts of the government, healthcare institutions, community organizations, and society as a whole to provide better care and support for dementia patients and their families, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.
