High Impact Change Model: Improving the timely and effective discharge of people with dementia and delirium into the community

This High Impact Change Model (HICM), published by the LGA, is focused on the care of people with a suspected/ undiagnosed or diagnosed dementia, and those where delirium is superimposed on dementia (i.e. when a person with pre-existing dementia develops delirium). It builds on the High Impact Change Model for Managing Transfers of Care (opens new window) which was first developed in 2015 and addresses the specific challenges of caring for people with dementia and delirium superimposed on dementia.

The HICM sets out an individual’s journey in eight ‘areas’ with respective changes that have been determined as ‘high impact’ for their contribution to timely and effective hospital discharge, from acute to intermediate care or reablement at home.

While there are no specific references to housing or at home care and support, including services supplemented by technology, this HCIM should be read alongside the Housing LIN’s January 2024 HCIM housing tool for the LGA Better Care Fund support programme (see link below).