Shining a spotlight on our role in dementia care
Marianne Elliot reflects on the NHS England dementia roundtable agenda , and representing the profession at this vital seat at the table .
I was asked to represent RCOT at the NHS England dementia roundtable agenda on Wednesday 11 October 2023 , in London , aiming to increase the visibility of dementia and the challenges and approaches to address them .
The event was in relation to the Department of Health and Social Care ’ s ( DHSC ) Major Conditions Strategy ( 2023 ), to improve health outcomes and the health and wellbeing needs of local populations .
Twenty-four dementia professionals from across NHS England ’ s policy and practice , medical specialists , local government , dementia research and charities attended the first of a series of roundtable events .
Interestingly , as the only allied health professional ( AHP ), it was essential to represent the importance of our support through holistic care and our values regarding promotion of independence , while working with people with dementia ( RCOT 2021 ).
Taking up the challenge
Claire Murdoch , Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust , NHS England ’ s National Director of Mental Health and Dementia , highlighted the projected statistics for the escalation of this condition .
Wittenberg et al ( 2019 ) predicted that , by 2024 , one million people in England will be diagnosed with dementia . Furthermore , the challenges faced by individuals and the impact on NHS England ’ s resources include complexities around
the condition , additional co-morbidities , ‘ crisis ’ hospital admissions and the huge personal impact on their loved ones , communities and the wider society .
Fortunately , the scope and flexibility of occupational therapy can positively influence these challenges as the condition progresses .
Unique role of occupational therapy
The dementia forum was a great opportunity to highlight the positive influence occupational therapy has in dementia care , working in partnership with the individual and their loved ones , throughout their dementia journey .
Clare et al ( 2013 ) state that occupational therapy is an essential cost-effective service that supports people with dementia with non-pharmaceutical interventions . Therefore , occupational therapy takes a person-centred approach to manage the condition ’ s impact and effect on the person rather than the condition itself ( Creek and Lougher 2014 ), by maintaining and adapting skills , and enables participation and engagement with meaningful activities .
More widely , occupational therapists work with people living with dementia in both physical and mental health settings and our inclusion across the NHS , Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) and the third sector , gives greater influence within local and national policies and practice .
Working holistically to enable rightsbased practice
To create opportunities for people with dementia and their loved ones to speak out , it is essential for occupational therapists to listen . In doing so , we can evolve and deliver our services in innovative , creative and measurable ways .
20 OTnews May 2024