FIRST: Boosting Dementia Capability Through Cognitive Screening

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

To increase dementia service capability and assist older adults who may be living with dementia, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Aging & Independence Services (AIS) has implemented new cognitive screening protocols. The FIRST cognitive screening program is conducted with clients who meet specific criteria of being over age 65 with deficiencies in two or more activities of daily living, or who are over age 85. Those whose score places them in the at-risk category are encouraged to follow up with their doctors. This new practice is embedded into Agency procedures, and an online training is provided for incoming staff. The new screening protocols require Adult Protective Services staff, In-Home Supportive Services intake social workers and Older Americans Act Title III B case management staff to provide cognitive assessments using one of two cognitive screening tools (Mini-Cog or AD8). As of December 2020, 536 ADRD screens have been conducted by several programs across AIS, and 60% of clients screened positive. AIS is using the data obtained from this screening project to identify best practices on how to improve and modify existing programs to better serve those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).