The aims, role and impact of an intermediate care service for people with dementia: Reflections on a conference workshop

Purpose - This article aims to describe the aims, role and impact of a specialist intermediate care service for people with dementia in Kent, entitled the Home Treatment Service (HTS). The authors reflect on two workshops about the service, delivered as part of the ''Dementia Care: A Positive Future'' conference held in May 2010. Design/methodology/approach - The 45 participants in the workshops included service roviders, professionals and family carers. The aimsand nature of the servicewere outlinedbymembers of the clinical team as: adopting a multi-professional approach, emphasising the value of a shared assessment process and having a commitment to flexible and intensive working within a person centred framework. Findings - Focusing on the HTS's work with care homes, presenters offered case illustrations to highlight its collaborative approach to working with service users, staff, managers and families to improve the quality of life for users presenting with ''challenging behaviour'' and preventing placement breakdown. Discussion with participants explored the obstacles and opportunities in working productively with care homes. The HTS's potential to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic medication was specifically highlighted. In addition to improving user and carer quality of life, outcomes of HTS intervention include a reduction in and quicker discharge from, mental health hospitals and maintainingthe person in their existing setting. Originality/value - The importance of including all parties - the older person with dementia, relatives, care staff and professionals - in co-creating ''solutions'' was identified as one the HTS's keys to success.