Timely diagnosis of dementia in rural areas in Austria: the Dementia Service Centre model

The Dementia Service Centre Model was developed in order to serve rural communities in Upper Austria. The goals of the Dementia Service Centre were defined as a multicomponent, low threshold, ‘one-stop shop’ psychosocial support model, specifically addressing the needs of persons with dementia and their family carers and support providers in rural communities. The main goals of the DSC care model are: a) timely detection of dementia, b) delaying the institutionalisation of persons with dementia and c) reducing the burden of support providers. In 2001, a data base was established with the goal to providing evidence for the support model. Research projects, including a randomized controlled trial, were conducted. The results of the research influenced the decision of policy makers to promote the model for roll-out. During the pilot phase, 7 Centres were opened. The model has been selected for rollout and in 2020 eleven Centres will be available.