Research has shown that people with dementia face a number of health inequalities. They are more likely to die in hospital (where most people say they would least like to die), less likely to have their pain managed, or to have access to palliative and end of life care than people with other progressive, life-limiting illnesses.
Royal Trinity is looking to tackle these problems: the hospice’s new specialist community dementia nurse – funded by West London CCG – will support people with dementia who live at home or in a care home to think about the kind of care they would like to receive at the end of life.
Additionally, the nurse will be able to identify and manage symptoms such as pain, aggression and anxiety, which can be particularly challenging when patients are no longer able to communicate verbally. The nurse will also support friends and family, as well as other health and social care professionals, providing information, advice and reassurance.
Dr Sam Lund, medical director at Royal Trinity Hospice, said: “Hospices are experts in palliative and end of life care, yet we know that people with dementia face unnecessary barriers to accessing the specialist care and support we can provide.
“Trinity’s new service will enable us to work with patients, carers and other professionals in Kensington and Chelsea to ensure everyone with dementia receives the care and support they need at the end of life.”
Find out more about the new service on the Royal Trinity Hospice website.
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