Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the long-term care needs of older adults with dementia and identify whether demographic characteristics and functional impairment level are associated with these needs.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 1,212 older adults with dementia across five cities in different provinces in China from January to June 2023. Three questionnaires were used to gather data.

Results: Participants with mild functional impairment were the highest in number (56.7%). Older adults with dementia had the greatest access to both basic and specialist care services (mean = 3.54, standard deviation [SD] = 1.06) and life care services (mean = 3.42, SD = 1.04). Furthermore, functional impairment level (B = 7.98, Beta = 0.49), age (B = 4.47, Beta = 0.21), monthly income (B = 3.85, Beta = 0.18), and living status (B = 3.06, Beta = 0.07) influenced  participants' long-term care needs (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The long-term care needs of older adults with dementia vary according to the level of functional impairment and are influenced by multiple community-specific factors. These findings provide a scientific basis for tailoring aging reforms to community contexts.