Care4Elders, co-funded by the European Union, has reached a major milestone: the successful completion of Work Package 2 (WP2). This pivotal phase set out to pinpoint professional training needs and contextual challenges in dementia care, laying the groundwork for the entire project. The insights from WP2 are already shaping an evidence-based EU Handbook on dementia care and workforce development.
How We Did It
WP2 used a mixed-method design to capture both the big picture and the lived experience. First, desk research: a systematic review of national dementia strategies, policy documents, and training frameworks across participating countries. Then, fieldwork: focus groups and interviews with healthcare professionals working directly in dementia care.
We used purposive sampling to ensure participants had hands-on expertise—professionals involved in designing, delivering, or governing dementia services. This approach brought together cross-sector voices that reflect the true complexity of dementia care ecosystems.
What We Found: Framework Analysis Highlights
The framework analysis surfaced five major themes:
- Key skills and knowledge in dementia care
- Perceived training gaps and needs
- Challenges in reducing stigma and promoting inclusion
- Professional competencies and systemic barriers
- Digital methods for prevention, treatment, and detection
Participants stressed the need for a holistic skill set, with relational and communication skills at its core. Above all, they emphasized empathy as a key skill.
Systemic barriers to high-quality person-centered care (PCC) were also identified: communication challenges, insufficient training, and the need for better integration of digital tools. The analysis underscored the importance of family involvement and stakeholder collaboration to build supportive environments for people living with dementia.
From the desk research, a clear pattern emerged: European countries take diverse approaches to policy and practice. Northern Europe tends to be more structured and comprehensive, while southern Europe shows more fragmented policies. Training exists at multiple levels, but there’s no unified approach across the participating countries.
Why It Matters and What’s Next
WP2 shines a light on the lived realities of stakeholders and offers a powerful lens for evaluating current and emerging policies. By mapping findings against national policy landscapes, the project identified opportunities for alignment, innovation, and cross-country learning.
These results provide a strong evidence base for targeted, practical, and context-sensitive recommendations. They will guide the EU Handbook on dementia care so that every stakeholder is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to deliver the best possible support.
Looking ahead, we’re developing training modules and organizing workshops to enhance care delivery and strengthen workforce capacity. Together with the EU Handbook, these initiatives will advance person-centered approaches across Europe, setting the stage for a brighter future in dementia care.
Explore the full Framework Analysis in our Resources section
to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities in dementia care—and see how these insights are shaping the future of care delivery.
