Healthcare interventions for older people with dementia and family caregivers in Europe: A scoping review.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the extent, range and variety of research in Europe describing healthcare interventions for older people with dementia (PwD) and family caregivers. Methods: This was a scoping review and followed the PRISMA Scoping Review guideline. MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane library databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2020. Studies reporting healthcare interventions in Europe for PwD over 65 years and their family caregivers were included. Results: Twenty‐one studies from six European countries were included. The types of healthcare intervention identified were categorized as follows: (1) family unit intervention (interventions for both PwD and their family caregiver), (2) individual intervention (separate interventions for PwD or family caregivers) and (3) family caregiver only intervention (interventions for family caregivers only but with outcomes for both PwD and family caregivers). Conclusions: This review provides insight into healthcare interventions for older PwD and family caregivers in Europe. More studies are needed that focus on the family as a unit of care in dementia. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? In Europe, the population is ageing, and the number of People with Dementia (PwD) who require long‐term care and family support is increasing.A diagnosis of dementia is a 'family affair', as dementia is associated with physical, emotional and social costs for both PwD and their family caregivers, with impacts on family dynamics and functioning, even more so, when the PwD are older. What this paper adds? This scoping review provides insight into the types of healthcare interventions targeting older PwD and family caregivers in Europe.It reveals that most studies (n = 19; 90%) consider the family of PwD as the 'context of care' and not as a recipient of care. As a result, the focus of interventions is on the well‐being and health of the PwD first and the family second, being seen as a resource for the care of the PwD. Implications of the study The family plays a central role in long‐term care of older PwD.A holistic approach to dementia care is needed that focuses on the health of family caregivers of PwD, in addition to the health of PwD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]