The CASCADE overall objective was to develop a financially sustainable approach to elderly/dementia care (EDC) that was able to be replicated across the 2 Seas area and potentially further across Europe. This was tested via existing state-owned buildings. The facilities created provided short term respite & longer-term care and fully engaged with the local community. They were also the basis for a cascade of shared learning & cross border excellence in dementia care. 

The approach had applicability & played a significant role in addressing the increasing demand. The outcome was a step change improvement in EDC in the 2 Seas area allowing people living with dementia (PLWD) to stay in their homes for as long as possible. 

CASCADE recognised that dementia was long term and that a person's needs on day one of diagnosis was very different to their needs 20 years later and it sought to create a model that provided appropriate care at every point on the continuum.

The CASCADE model of care was developed with input from all partners and through the broad knowledge and expertise that the partnership brought together. This gave more in-depth conversations and substance to certain topics (the CASCADE fundaments and components). The sharing of knowledge and questions raised encouraged the partnership to think deeper and provide more insight to further shape the model. Cross border discussions about the fundamentals took place and links were made, together with the other partners, to the scientific literature on which the framework is based upon. The different laws and regulations, different (starting) situations, environment, etc., helped to develop a much more diverse model that can be used in multiple places. The model has been developed more broadly, which wouldn’t have happened if working in isolation. This means that the model can be used more widely.

Working with European partners provided the partnership with an insight into different approaches to risk. The concept of "positive risk" is not common within health and social care in the NHS/England but was well received by the regulatory body.

The site visits were useful to see alternative ways of working in operation. Best practice could be taken and implemented into the CASCADE sites. The design process for the Harmonia Village involved input from different EU countries. This meant that the eventual design principles have applicability across the EU, rather than a parochial solution that worked only in a more limited geographical area and cultural environment.

The training has also been enhanced through collaboration and the transferring of knowledge, experience in clinical care, and education, which allowed for further developments/improvements. All partners contributed towards the training modules, with input by clinical staff to ensure appropriate translation to English.