Background: Crisis intervention services for people with dementia in the United Kingdom are poorly defined with no standardized model of working. This may be due to the lack of a clear conceptualization of dementia crisis, resulting in variation in national service delivery. Methods: This study employed a novel public engagement questionnaire data collection technique with 57 participants to gain an updated perspective on the concept of health-related crisis from the point of view of the public. Results: Analysis revealed crisis as a transformational moment that may arrive unexpectedly but could also be the culmination of a sequence of events. Crisis resolution requires external and expert help, and associated feelings of panic and despair can engender the task of resolution by oneself insurmountable. Conclusions: Participants had clear expectations of crisis intervention services, with initial practical and emotional support to reduce risks, and a person-centered approach with family involvement.
Keywords: crisis; dementia; health services; public engagement.