In addition to supporting the National Dementia Strategy, the Single Assessment Tool (SAT) was co-funded under Atlantic’s dementia programme.
SAT is a worldwide recognised assessment tool for the estimation of care needs, including in dementia. A parallel carer needs assessment is also now being developed as part of the SAT programme.
The SAT has the potential to shape health and social care provision and bring real change to the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers in the longer term in Ireland.
In addition, one of Atlantic’s key grantees, Genio, has been assigned a key role in supporting the development of an outcomes and indicators framework for the National Dementia Strategy.
Evaluation of Dementia Programme
A major component of Atlantic’s overall dementia programme has been the incorporation of internal and external evaluation into the grant-making process with a view to expanding the evidence base for dementia specific services and investments.
This evaluation element has contributed to the development of evidence-based policy, as well as practice in dementia and, critically, to on-going public sector reform in Ireland.
The Atlantic dementia programme has introduced consistency and coherence to dementia reform by focusing on what works best for people with dementia, when and where, resulting in the subsequent translation and implementation of this evidence across the sector.
“Previously we didn’t have national data. Now, we will have data from all sectors, community and hospital. It’s powerful data. It’s real people. It tells us so much about our older people’s population. Without this, good service planning is impossible.”
Dr Natalie Vereker, Health Service Executive, speaking about the Single Assessment Tool
