Background: According to Swedish legislation, all citizens have equal rights to receiving care and services when needed. National guidelines have been developed in order to secure regimentation, quality and clarity in the management of dementia care and services and other prioritized fields.   

Aim: The aim of this ongoing study is to describe and analyse differences and similarities in care and services towards citizens with dementia. Further, the aim is to discuss possible reasons for differences and similarities.   

Methods: A mapping study was conducted in nine Swedish municipalities. It covered 56 possible services, either generalized or specialized in the field of dementia or geriatric psychiatry. Specialization in terms of professional education was also covered. Approval of the study was granted by the regional Ethics committee in Lund (2010/538 and 2014/168).

Results: Several differences were found between municipalities. Hence, the care and services provided aren’t equal between municipalities. An explanation may be found in the institutional logics used to explain and choose local priorities.