Persons with Dementia and Care Partners’ Perspectives on Memory Clinics in Primary Care

Abstract

AIMS: To understand persons with dementia (PWD) and care partners' experiences with the Primary Care Collaborative Memory Clinic (PCCMC) care model. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of PWD (n = 12) and care partners (N = 16) to identify their perspectives of care received in the clinic and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS: PWD and care partners were satisfied with care received within the PCCMC, had positive interactions with and perceived a strong sense of support from team members and felt listened to; the necessity of cognitive testing was recognized but disliked. CONCLUSIONS: The PCCMC care model can address many existing gaps in dementia care as experienced by PWD and care partners.