Dementia
Bold Transformation for Dementia care in England – High quality care focussed on Wellbeing pathway
Thames Valley priorities for Dementia – 2016/17

Dementia Diagnosis Rates (DDR) – August 15 – July 16

As can be seen, wide variation still exists in dementia diagnosis rates across the Thames Valley and Milton Keynes CCGs
Post Diagnostic Support
People with dementia and their carers feedback;
- that support ideally needs to be from a single person and,
- the advice needs to be bespoke, and response needs to be timely.
Dementia advisors play a key information sharing role in this and a three step approach of support is recommended (ABC model);

Primary Care and Community support for those people with or who support those with Dementia
Professor Alistair Burns (National Clinical Director for Dementia) breaks this down to the 5 P’s:
Dementia Friendly Practices
In November 2014 TVSCN and Health Education England launched a joint scheme inviting local GP practices to bid for funding to support them to become “dementia friendly”.

The Pilot review and links to resources can be accessed by clicking here
The practices were tasked with improving both their physical environment, management processes, staff awareness and training to ensure patients and carers receive the care and attention they require when visiting the practice, using SPACE principles
Dr Sian Roberts (GP project Lead – John Hampden Surgery) notes; “I am passionate about identifying our patients with dementia. Being diagnosed in a timely way will enable patients to access the right treatments and find the best source of support, as well as being able to make decisions about the future. In doing so, patients can “live well” with dementia and maintain a good quality of life”

The key message from Dementia Friendly Practices pilot is to “focus on the quality, the outcomes will follow”
The pilot outcomes, harnessed with leading evidence from our colleagues in Hampshire CCGs shows the quality improvements can have a positive effect on patients, as well as aiding constitutional standards.
Dementia Friendly Communities
Dementia Friendly Communities is a community based programme aiming to facilitate the creation of dementia-friendly communities across the UK.
Everyone, from governments and health boards to the local corner shop and hairdresser, share part of the responsibility for ensuring that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community.
More information can be accessed through the Alzheimer’s Society webpages
Commissioner recommendation
- Address variation in Dementia Diagnosis Rates between GP practices within your CCG, starting with the lowest 10% (TVSCN scoping potential support)
- CCGs should provide a change management leadership approach to drive improvement and to promote a culture and enough time that ensures commits to meeting the needs of people with dementia and their carers
- Specify that providers move towards becoming Dementia Friendly using the principles and local/best practice evidence of the TVSCN supported pilot (ISPACE) as case for change
- Promote DAAG Dementia Training provided by HETV and facilitate the up-take by your providers. All health and social care professionals should have a basic understanding of dementia in line with the core competencies published by Health Education England
- Post-Diagnostic services – CCGs to commission information and sign-posting to appropriate and up to date post-diagnostic services available in your area
- Commission peri-diagnostic support e.g. Dementia Care Advisors/Dementia Champions
- Long Term Conditions and End of Life – CCGs should widening person-centred care and support planning approach to those with dementia, and that end of life planning is commenced as early as possible to ensure Advanced Care Plans are in place as per NICE guidance.