Opportunities for improving managed care for individuals with dementia: Part 2 - A framework for care

In this second part of a review of dementia, we argue that managed care organizations must develop strategies to identify and manage patients with dementia, whose numbers will increase dramatically in the near future. Improved coding and use of validated self-report instruments that include caregivers as information sources could assist in identifying patients with dementia who could benefit from disease management programs. These programs should include population-based screening efforts; the development of practice guidelines; the use of case managers; education of caregivers, case managers, and physicians in issues such as availability of community services, patient/caregiver self-management techniques, and the latest developments in efficacious treatment; and monitoring of care through quality assurance activities. Dementia is a highly prevalent, devastating, and costly chronic illness of the elderly, but it is also eminently manageable. Managed care has the potential to improve the quality of life and care for these patients, while managing the costs.