Dementia

Dementia is recognized nationally as an illness that cannot be ignored as its devastating impact poses significant challenges. The prevalence of dementia in the general population increases exponentially with age, doubling approximately every 5 years, e.g. age 80-84years 10%, ages 85-89 20%, 90+ years 40%.

It is estimated that there currently are approximately 850,000 people who live in the UK with dementia – 1.3% of the UK population, 17,000 of whom are under the age of 65. There are over 12,000 people with dementia from black and minority ethnic groups in the UK. As the population ages the prevalence of dementia is anticipated to increase.

By 2021 there will be over a million people living with dementia in the UK and this number is predicted to rise to 1,700,000 by 2051 (Alzheimer’s Society 2012).  The cost to the UK economy is currently £23 billion a year (National Audit Office 2012). Despite the financial costs, the real impact affects the person who develops it and their carers.

The management of dementia is an issue that Homerton University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust has embraced. We have listened to and talked to patients, carers and our partners in the community, other local NHS Trusts and voluntary organisations. We have developed a dementia strategy for HHFT outlining the key objectives for dementia care on a local level in Hackney.

Dementia care remains one of the key priorities for the Trust and this strategy will encompass Homerton Hospital's values as an organization and the contribution from the entire workforce. Our goal is for the care we deliver to patients with dementia to be exemplary.

We want our inpatients up and about in their own clothing because evidence clearly shows that this enhances rehabilitation. Watch this video for more and think about your stay if you are coming in for treatment or about that of your family member or friend.

Dr Cianan O’Sullivan
Clinical Lead for Dementia

Dr Suthahar Yoganathan 
Consultant Geriatrician

Jonny Stockdale
Lead Nurse Dementia Care

Elizabeth James
Social Worker

Dr Kapila Sachdev
Older Adults Consultant Psychiatrist.

These are supported by psychologists in HPM. There are three dementia care support workers on the Elderly Care Unit that provide additional support to patients with dementia and their carers.

This is me booklet.pdf