11.01. What type of information is collected and analysed to assess performance of the healthcare system for people living with dementia? What is missing? | Kenya

11.01. What type of information is collected and analysed to assess performance of the healthcare system for people living with dementia? What is missing? | Kenya

04 Apr 2022

There is little information about dementia in Kenya both at policy level and in community settings. In most mental health clinics in community settings, dementia is diagnosed as “senile dementia” making it a normal part of the ageing process, a perception common among community members. There are also no national guidelines on dementia care or support for caregivers. This is important because family carers provide a large share of care and paid informal workers do not receive any training on how to support people with dementia. Informal workers often provide care for people with dementia while performing other household chores. The development of the National Plan could be a starting point to develop better support for people with dementia and their carers in Kenya.