The Journey Towards Community-Based Dementia Care: The Destination, Roadmap, Guide, Tour Group and the Conditions

Abstract

In their paper, Morton-Chang et al. (2016) discuss how aging societies are struggling and trying to cope with the rapidly increasing numbers of persons living with dementia (PLWD). In that sense, the Canadian case is not unique. On the contrary, it is very similar to other developing countries. Therefore, it is worthwhile to reflect from another country's perspective on this unprecedented societal development. In this paper, I will consider the challenge of dealing with increasing numbers of PLWD from the European and, in particular, Dutch perspectives. Whereas, MortonChang et al. pose the question: "How do we get there from here?" I will address the issues of what the "there" should be and how we get there from my European/Dutch perspective. I will provide my view on how the roadmap can be drawn, who needs to be on the tour, who might be the guide and what conditions need to be in place to arrive at the desired destination.