By Julie Vanderlinden
In a rapidly aging Europe, the SACRED project has taken a bold step forward. Through a meticulous needs assessment across six diverse pilot sites—Rotterdam (Netherlands), Syros (Greece), Flanders (Belgium), Treviso (Italy), Tenerife and Valencia (Spain)—the project has unearthed the real-world challenges and aspirations of professionals, students and older adults navigating the complex terrain of integrated care for older adults with dementia and multi-morbidity.
A triangular perspective of professionals, students, and older adults
The assessment engaged 57 professionals, 34 students, and 31 older adults across all six pilot sites, each offering a unique lens on care delivery. Professionals, while generally well-versed in integrated care, highlighted gaps in psychiatric knowledge and emotional support strategies. Students, though enthusiastic, often felt underprepared for the emotional and behavioral complexities of dementia care. Older adults voiced appreciation for personalised care but called for better coordination and communication among health providers.
Integrated care is more than a buzzword
Across all sites, integrated care was defined as a holistic, multidisciplinary approach—one that respects the medical, psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of aging. Yet, implementation in practice varied. In Syros (Greece), professionals cited geographic isolation as a barrier. In Treviso (Italy), cultural stigma complicated care. In Rotterdam (The Netherlands), the STIP method — a structured, interdisciplinary care model — emerged as a beacon of best practice.
The role of informal caregivers
A recurring theme was the critical yet under-supported role of informal caregivers. Many feel overwhelmed, under-informed, and emotionally drained. Professionals and students alike called for better training and systemic support to engage caregivers as true partners in care.
Learning to care, caring to learn
When it comes to education, both professionals and students crave interactive, practical learning. E-learning is welcomed—if it’s engaging. Think simulations, case studies, and real-world scenarios. The upcoming SACRED e-learning platform aims to deliver just that: a dynamic, evidence-based toolkit for building competence in integrated care.
What’s Next?
The SACRED needs assessment serves not just as a report, but as a strategic roadmap and practical guide for the next phases of the SACRED project — specifically, the gap analysis and the creation of the e-learning component.
It calls on policy makers, educators, and care organizations to invest in training, to support interdisciplinary collaboration and to prioritize the voices of older adults and their caregivers. Because integrated care isn’t just a model — it’s a mindset.
