Innovative Remote Dementia Care Program Offers Personalized Support and Cost Savings

Tue 18th Feb, 2025

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of the NIDUS-Family care package, an innovative solution designed to assist individuals with dementia in maintaining their independence at home. Conducted by Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with UCL, the study reveals that this program not only enhances the quality of life for dementia patients but also significantly reduces the associated costs of care.

With nearly 982,000 individuals diagnosed with dementia in the UK, the financial burden on health and social care systems is projected to soar to £90 billion by 2040. The pressing need for effective home care solutions that prioritize patient well-being is evident, as they can alleviate disparities in treatment access while remaining cost-efficient.

The NIDUS-Family program emphasizes practical strategies tailored to the specific needs of dementia patients. It encourages goal-setting among participants, focusing on aspects such as increasing engagement in enjoyable activities, enhancing sleep quality, and allowing caregivers more time for self-care. The program can be delivered through various formats, including phone calls, video conferencing, or in-person meetings.

A randomized controlled trial led by Professor Claudia Cooper from Queen Mary University demonstrated that participants receiving the NIDUS-Family intervention were significantly more successful in achieving their personal goals compared to those receiving standard care over a one-year period. Notably, the effectiveness of the program was consistent across all delivery methods.

Published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity, new findings indicate that NIDUS-Family is the first personalized care intervention to prove its cost-effectiveness from the perspective of dementia patients' quality of life. Participants in the program incurred £8,934 (37%) lower expenses on average over the year compared to those who did not receive the intervention. This reduction in costs is attributed to fewer hospitalizations and decreased reliance on publicly funded social care services, which far outweighed the modest annual investment of £346 for the program.

Experts believe that the success of the NIDUS-Family therapy has the potential to pave the way for widespread implementation of personalized dementia care across the National Health Service (NHS). The program's dual benefit of supporting patients and families while being cost-effective makes it a viable option for standard care.

Dr. Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer's Society, emphasized the need for accessible, personalized support for dementia patients, stating that the existing therapies often come with high costs and limited availability, particularly for those in remote areas. The NIDUS-Family initiative represents a groundbreaking shift in how personalized care can be delivered to improve daily life for individuals with dementia.

Senior author Professor Rachael Hunter from UCL's Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health remarked on the tangible advantages of the intervention for patients and their families, coupled with its potential financial benefits for the NHS.

Co-author Professor Helen Kales from UC Davis Health noted the urgent necessity for evidence-based, low-cost interventions that cater to the needs of families affected by dementia. The trial results showcasing the cost-effectiveness of the NIDUS-Family program could inform care models in the United States, particularly within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' new initiatives.

The findings align with calls from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry on dementia, advocating for equitable access to high-quality post-diagnostic support services across England. Despite national guidelines recommending personalized support for all dementia patients, a significant gap remains, with many individuals living at home facing unmet needs and pressure on family caregivers.

This innovative approach represents a significant step forward in providing effective, personalized support for individuals with dementia, ensuring they can live independently while reducing the financial strain on healthcare systems.


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