Estimated cost of home care for people with Alzheimer’s disease

microcusting analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.98849pt

Keywords:

Aged, Alzheimer Disease, Costs and Cost Analysis, Home Nursing, Home Care Services

Abstract

Objective: Estimate the cost of caring for elderly people with Alzheimer's disease in home care.

Method: A cross-sectional, retrospective cost analysis study by the Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing method, conducted with a sample of 34 patients treated in 2019 and 2020 by the public service of home care.

Results: The average age was 83.7 years, with the female sex predominant. The average stay time was 112.2 days. The average cost of care per patient with Alzheimer's disease was estimated at R$4,795.20, of which 44.7% corresponded to the cost with professionals.

Conclusion: The stay time defines the average cost per person with dementia in home care service because it requires more activities and time from professionals. Managing transitional care from the first signs can provide benefits and reduce costs for the healthcare system.

Author Biographies

Maria do Socorro Lina van Keulen, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Public Health. Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Edna Aparecida Barbosa de Castro, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Public Health. Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Alfredo Chaoubah, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Engineer. PhD in Electrical Engineering. Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Denise Rocha Raimundo Leone, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Public Health. Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Elaine da Silva Lopes, Municipal Government of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. Master's Degree in Nursing. Municipal Government of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Jurema de Oliveira, Municipal Government of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. Specialist in Home Care. Municipal Government of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.

Kênia Lara da Silva, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

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Published

2025-11-03

How to Cite

van Keulen, M. do S. L., de Castro, E. A. B., Chaoubah, A., Leone, D. R. R., Lopes, E. da S., de Oliveira, J., & da Silva, K. L. (2025). Estimated cost of home care for people with Alzheimer’s disease: microcusting analysis. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/ce.v30i0.98849pt

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2025 Maria do Socorro Lina van Keulen, Edna Aparecida Barbosa de Castro, Alfredo Chaoubah, Denise Rocha Raimundo Leone, Elaine da Silva Lopes, Jurema de Oliveira, Kênia Lara da Silva

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