The NHS in Kent and Medway wants to hear from people living with dementia and those who care for them to help shape future services.
An online survey has just two weeks left to run to help develop ideas to improve care for people living with dementia with complex needs who can exhibit challenging behaviours like aggression, self-harm and sleep disruption and need specialist care, particularly in a crisis.
Evidence shows that it is better for people living with dementia to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The NHS wants to consider what additional support might help that happen as the health and wellbeing of families and carers can be adversely affected.
Dr Simon Lundy, a Kent GP with an interest in dementia care, said: “There are very few specialist services which can provide support for people with dementia in a crisis, particularly near to where they live and in the evenings and at weekends.
“This means people with dementia often end up being admitted to a hospital bed unnecessarily.
“Even if it is necessary, the evidence shows that their stay in hospital should be as short as necessary.
“The NHS in Kent and Medway wants people’s ideas to help design a service which supports people living with dementia to stay where they live and get the help they need in the community, even in a crisis.”
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wants to hear about people’s experience of dementia and ideas they have to improve care. They want to hear from people living with dementia, their families and carers, care homes and voluntary and community groups.
The survey closes on 15 January 2021 and feedback will help the CCG develop plans further with clinicians. We will then ask the public what they think of the plans.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to hold meetings in person but we are reaching out so people can contribute their views in a safe way. If you want to take part please visit our website or email or phone Katie Blissett on 07545 934705