Dementia Matters – a practical approach to assessment and care for people living with dementia in the community.

Abstract

There is currently no cure for dementia but there are strategies that can assist people living with dementia maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible. Currently recognition, diagnosis and management of dementia is sub-optimal. This leads to poor health and social well-being outcomes both for people living with dementia and their carer(s). Nurses are privileged in the strong trusting relationships they build with their patients. Patients report nurses are good listeners and they can tell them anything. This relationship presents a real opportunity for nurses to break down barriers preventing good dementia care including stigma, fear and the common perception that nothing can be done. Given the number of people living with dementia and the people who support them is growing, and that most people living with dementia reside in community, you will be seeing more and more people living with dementia and the people supporting them in your daily practice. This masterclass aims to increase your knowledge, skills and confidence in brain health promotion, recognising cognitive impairment or potential dementia, assessing the impact on the individual and carer(s) and adapting the approach to routine care in the context of the individual’s cognitive impairment.