Abstract
With 25% of the population over age 65, Florida is among the states with the highest prevalence of dementia in the US. The Orange County Dementia Care & Cure Initiative task force reviewed datasets held by partners. We learned that while there are a range of creative initiatives in the area, partnership was thin and knowledge about resources was uneven, especially in minority and disadvantaged communities. Using a person-centered approach, we held 5 focus groups across Orange County to better understand what gaps in information and services exist and how we may better educate and support communities, individuals and families. Groups were held at senior centers, facilitated by a researcher not affiliated with local service providers. Focus group participants (N=43) were both male and female, 50% spouse/partner, and a mix of adult children, individuals with dementia, friends, and siblings, and spoke English, Spanish, & Creole. Groups were recorded and notes were taken. Iterative coding was done using in-vivo, then focused codes to identify themes. Member checking was done by consumers known to agencies, since contact information was not collected at groups. Four major themes were identified: Diversity issues, Education needed, Resource limitations and future care concerns, and Including voices. Specifically, we found that issues faced by families living with dementia are complicated by limited access, lack of transportation and financial strain. The task force is working with county officials to identify policy and program options and identifying areas of partnership among agencies to address these areas.