Described recently by David Cameron as “the greatest enemy of humanity” dealing with dementia is one of the most pressing challenges facing health and social care in the UK.
The direct cost of Alzheimer’s disease alone already exceeds the combined costs of stroke, cancer and heart disease and it affects more than 1 in 20 people over the age of 65. Although many people with dementia receive excellent care at the end of life many do not.
To help improve that care Saint Francis Hospice, Essex, will begin teaching some new modules around dementia, its causes, its treatment and the difficulties it creates for end of life carers. The degree module is open to other health professionals and students taking the BSc/MSc in Professional Nursing Practice (Palliative Care) course at London South Bank University.
Students on the module, which lasts 12 weeks and runs from January to March 2015, will also have the opportunity to consider some of the ethical dilemmas which may arise when caring for people with dementia and end of life decision making.
Des Nolan, the Programme Lead for the course held at the Pepperrell Education Centre at Saint Francis Hospice, said: “This course is important because we’ve had a lot of interest expressed by local healthcare providers about developing courses around dementia and particularly around managing the challenging behaviour that dementia patients can exhibit.”
Caroline Scates, Head of Education at Saint Francis Hospice said: “We are very pleased that South Bank University has now validated this new module of study into this growing problem facing health and social services and are delighted to begin teaching this module in January. The course is also open to other health professionals and they can see details of this module and all other courses we teach at our website: www.sfh.org.uk“
To learn more about delivering such a course, email the hospice at education@sfh.org.uk or call 01708 758646.
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