Title : Assessing gaps in dementia care: A statewide needs assessment to inform Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias policy in Idaho, USA
Abstract:
Background: As dementia prevalence increases, public health systems must strengthen dementia care, workforce capacity, and caregiver support. In Idaho, rurality, limited service coordination, workforce shortages, and gaps in caregiver support create barriers to dementia-friendly care. This statewide needs assessment examined Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) resources, service gaps, and policy priorities to inform state planning.
Methods: A mixed-methods statewide landscape analysis and needs-based assessment was conducted in 2022. Data sources included semi-structured interviews with ADRD Alliance stakeholders, surveys of educators in healthcare and social service programs, interviews with rural and remote healthcare providers, and secondary data review. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and survey responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results: Three cross-cutting priorities were identified: expanding ADRD awareness and education, improving access to information and services, and strengthening state-level accountability and collaboration. Key gaps included limited dementia-specific resources, insufficient respite and adult day services, fragmented care navigation, limited culturally and linguistically tailored supports, and rural barriers related to transportation, broadband, geography, and specialty care access. Workforce gaps included limited dementia training across healthcare, social service, direct care, and family caregiver populations. Educator survey findings highlighted limited confidence that graduates could support caregivers in identifying resources and incorporating caregiver support into care planning.
Discussion: Findings support policy priorities including centralized ADRD resources, expanded care navigation, dementia-specific workforce training, caregiver education and respite, telehealth-supported specialty access, and measurable state plan implementation. Lessons may inform dementia policy and public health planning in Idaho and other rural jurisdictions facing similar challenges.
