Understanding how health care systems can support people with dementia and complex needs, and the unpaid caregivers who help them, is an important task for health researchers and health policymakers. In this research we compare programs to support caregivers and people living with dementia and complex needs in 5 jurisdictions: British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, New York State, and Vermont. This research project will provide a systematic assessment not only of the resources devoted to supporting people with complex health needs through particular policy programs, but also of those resources devoted to supporting unpaid caregivers who meet the majority of care needs. By focusing on policy programs intended to help meet the needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers, we will help to address broader health and social service challenges, by isolating at least some of the key environmental and program ingredients associated with better performing.