A unique telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed in Japan (Okayama Dementia Call Center, ODCC).

Abstract: Background: Despite a rapidly increasing prevalence of dementia, social support systems for dementia patients and their caregivers are insufficient. Aim: To investigate a telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed by a local public association, the “Okayama Dementia Call Center (ODCC).” Methods: A total of 1485 phone calls were retrospectively surveyed over 4 years (from June 2011 to May 2014) and were divided into four annual periods. Results: The average consulting time of each of the 1485 phone calls was 20.2 ± 14.7 min. The chief complaint was distress related to dementia symptoms (56.2%), mainly from the children (66.7%) and spouses (17.5%) of dementia patients. With respect to management of ODCC for these clients, the proportion of providing advice has decreased (66.1 to 47.7%) as that of listening time increased (22.7 to 46.1%). Conclusion: The present unique telephone call system (ODCC) may supplement an insufficient social support, and may play an important role in the community care system, enabling people with dementia to live comfortably in their local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]