This week, Rebecca attended an event hosted by specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK to discuss the importance of improving palliative and end of life care for people living with dementia.

The event offered Rebecca the chance to speak to dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and hear from people living with dementia and carers about their experiences. Rebecca heard how system failures are affecting families around the UK and in Castle Point.

The event was organised to mark the launch of Dementia UK’s new report A better death: fixing palliative and end of life care for dementia in Westminster, which draws on new research, clinical expertise and the experiences of people affected by dementia. It gives clear recommendations to improve the provision of timely and coordinated palliative care, as well as recognising that dementia is a life-limiting condition. The report can be found here: www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-fixing-palliative-and-end-of-life-care.pdf.

Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and I’m aware of the impact it has on people in Castle Point. That is why Dementia UK is calling on the government to deliver real improvements for people affected by dementia, through:

• Earlier planning and support: Ensuring people with dementia receive meaningful advance care planning and guidance from the point of diagnosis.
• Better care at the end of life: Improving workforce training so health and care professionals can better recognise and manage symptoms experienced by people with dementia, and ensuring families and carers can access education, respite and emotional support.
• Specialist support for every family: Expanding access to specialist dementia nurses, such as Admiral Nurses, to provide continuity of care for families. As well as integrated health and social care records to ensure continuity of care throughout the system.

Research published as part of the report found that nearly half (46%) of families say they were not told what to expect as a loved one living with dementia approached the end of their life, while 71% of current and former carers say they did not receive enough support.

If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected]. The Helpline is staffed by experienced Admiral Nurses. You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse.