Table 2.

Examples of interval of need for people with dementia:+ indicates little behaviour or few services; ++++ indicates extreme behaviour or high service use.

INTERVAL OF NEEDDEMENTIA STAGE (MMSE)FUNCTIONAL LOSSFORMAL SERVICESCAREGIVING SITUATION
2–7 dMild (23–28)

  • Some instrumental ADLs

  • Responsive behaviour: none to +

+ to ++

  • Alone

  • Might have CG

12–48 hMild to moderate (19–22)

  • Most instrumental ADLs

  • Responsive behaviour: none to +

+ to +++

  • Alone or in RH

  • Family supports

  • Might have CG

4–12 hModerate (14–18)

  • Some personal ADLs

  • Responsive behaviour: none to ++

+ to +++ with respite

  • Needs attentive or live-in CG or RH

  • LTC needs to be considered

1–4 hModerate to severe (10–13)

  • Most personal ADLs

  • Responsive behaviour: + to +++

++ to +++ with respite

  • Live-in CG (usually spouse), RH (assisted), or LTC (suggest applying now)

< 1 hSevere (< 10)

  • All personal ADLs

  • Responsive behaviour: + to ++++

++ to ++++ with respite

  • Devoted CG or LTC (definitely apply now)

  • ADL—activity of daily living, CG—caregiver, LTC—long-term care, MMSE—Mini-Mental State Examination, RH—retirement home.