Two specialist dementia nurses offer a lifeline to dementia patients
A new Admiral Nurse Service to support families living with dementia in Guildford and Waverley launched recently at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.
The service provides advice, education and support to help families and carers navigate the complex needs of people living with dementia. Supported by the charity Dementia UK, it is led by two specialist dementia nurses who visit families in their homes.
The service has been spearheaded by Hayley Harvey, Admiral Nurse Lead, who has more than 15 years’ of experience working with patients living with dementia and their families.
Hayley said: “Dementia is such a complex condition and it can be very difficult to cope with, both emotionally and practically, for patients with dementia and their families. It requires a specialist approach to make sure patients get the best possible care. We are delighted to be launching this service, which we are confident will make a big difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their families.”
The team hopes to help people with dementia live independently for longer as well as provide support for the people caring for them, helping to give them the strength to deal with the bad days and the energy to enjoy the good days.
Helen Whitsed, Divisional Head of Nursing for Adult Community Health Services, said:
“We first piloted the service in March with a small number of families and have had a really positive response from the carers in the team who worked with them. The specialist practical and emotional support provided by our new Admiral Nurses will make a huge difference to local families affected by dementia, making sure they get the support they need during the most difficult and challenging of times. We’re very pleased to be able to extend the service.”
Referrals to the service are made for carers registered with GP practices in Guildford and Waverley. Patients and their families can find out more about the service by speaking with their GP.