A new University of Liverpool-led study has highlighted widespread fragmentation between health and social care services for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers across eight European countries.
The research, published in International Psychogeriatrics, found similarities in the challenges experienced across different countries and care systems, including professionals working in silos, a lack of formal links between services, and gaps in knowledge and awareness.
Led by Dr Clarissa Giebel from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Population Health and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast, the study explored experiences in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Researchers interviewed 86 people between October 2025 and February 2026, including 22 health professionals, 13 social care professionals, 37 unpaid carers and 14 people living with dementia.
The findings identified five key themes: inadequate formal structures connecting different parts of the care system; professionals working in silos; a lack of knowledge and awareness; the impact of fragmented care on unpaid carers; and potential solutions for creating more joined-up services.
Despite significant differences between countries and their health and social care infrastructures, the researchers found notable similarities in the problems people encountered.
In particular, poor communication and limited connections between different professionals and services could make it harder for people with dementia and their families to navigate care and access the right support.
The study also identified examples of approaches that could help bridge these gaps, although the solutions differed between countries. These included link workers who can help people navigate services, dementia meeting centres, support provided by third-sector organisations and greater multidisciplinary team working.
Dr Clarissa Giebel, Senior Research Fellow in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Primary Care and Mental Health and lead of the NWC Living Lab in Ageing & Dementia, said:
“It was a great experience to collaborate with our colleagues across Europe and as a team provide such a detailed insight into the issues faced by people with dementia and their unpaid carers on a care system level. We can learn a lot from how other countries are working, and it is really important that we continue to work together across borders to reduce inequalities in dementia care.”
The research forms part of wider work led by Dr Giebel examining inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care and how better-connected services could improve outcomes for people living with dementia and their families.
The paper, “The fragmentation of health and social care for people with dementia and their carers: An 8-European-country qualitative study” is published in International Psychogeriatrics.