Benjamin Rose Comprehensive Dementia Support Model: Expanding a Sustainable, Integrated Community-Based System of Support for Persons Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers - Benjamin Rose will implement, evaluate, and sustain the Benjamin Rose Comprehensive Dementia Support Model, an integrated community-based approach that helps people living with dementia and their caregivers access coordinated support throughout the dementia journey. Although effective dementia programs and services exist, many families face challenges finding, accessing, and coordinating the care and resources they need. This project will strengthen connections among healthcare providers, aging and disability organizations, community-based organizations, and family caregivers to create a more coordinated system of dementia support across Northeast Ohio. Through Benjamin Rose's WeCare program, approximately 200 caregiving/support units will receive individualized dementia care navigation, personalized Action Plans, and coordinated connections to evidence-based caregiver programs, respite services, Community Health Worker services that address health-related social needs, and other community resources tailored to their goals and changing needs. Fifty caregiving/support units will also participate in SHARE for Dementia, an evidence-based program that helps people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners communicate about care preferences, make informed decisions, and plan for the future together. Caregivers will also have access to respite services to reduce caregiver stress and support their ability to continue providing care at home. The project will place particular emphasis on reaching people living alone with dementia and caregivers supporting individuals aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities, two populations that often experience barriers accessing coordinated dementia services. Benjamin Rose's established Education Center will build upon its existing year-round educational programming to provide dementia education and training for healthcare professionals, community organizations, direct support professionals, caregivers, and community members, strengthening dementia knowledge and expanding the community's capacity to support people living with dementia and their families. Working with healthcare, aging, disability, and community partners, Benjamin Rose will evaluate project outcomes, continuously improve service delivery, and develop a sustainable model that can be replicated by other communities. By strengthening coordination across organizations and expanding access to evidence-based dementia services and supports, the project will help people living with dementia remain safely in their homes and communities while improving caregiver confidence, reducing caregiver burden, and enhancing quality of life for families affected by dementia.
