Dementia Care Policy

Introduction

There are estimated to be around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia with an approximate cost to the economy of £23 billion a year; this is more than the combined costs of cancer, heart disease and stroke. By 2040 the number of people with dementia is expected to double with the predicted costs expected to treble (DoH, 2015).

It has been estimated that by 2030 the increased number of people leaving employment to care for someone with dementia will cost businesses more than £3 billion (Centre for Economic and Business research, 2014).

Most of our services will directly or indirectly support people with dementia and this policy sets out to provide clear guidance on the care of people with suspected dementia and dementia and those who care for them.

This policy is informed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Quality Standards for Dementia Care (2010) and the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia 2020 (2015).

Scope

This policy is relevant to all staff who are directly or indirectly involved in the care of people with dementia, their carers and families and all staff who may come into contact with people with dementia, their carers or their families.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to guide and support staff in order provide excellent dementia care at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital, by means of describing care pathways and providing advice on supporting people with dementia in the hospital setting

Policy Details

See also:

• Mental Capacity Act Policy
• Safeguarding Adult Policy
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
• Rapid Tranquilisation Policy
• Learning Disability Policy
• Restraint Policy for Adults and Young People
• Enhanced Care Supportive Observation and Therapeutic Engagement Policy
• Information Governance Policy
• Work Life Balance Policy