Demand for specialist dementia help in Dorset rises as search for new nurse begins

Report by ITV News Meridian's Richard Slee

A recruitment campaign to find a new specialist dementia nurse for Dorset has been launched.

Admiral Nurses are trained by Dementia UK, focusing on the special skills needed to care for older people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimers.

It follows a sharp rise in calls to the charity's helpline, especially from Dorset.

Emma Scattergood, from Christchurch, was a carer for her mother after she was diagnosed with dementia.

She had cared for Nancy at home in the years since her diagnosis, but in the final few months of her life the family took the decision to move her to a care home in Romsey, Hampshire, because it had access to an Admiral Nurse.

This decision gave "an extra level of care" that Emma had not seen previously.

“If mum got distressed, my Admiral Nurse, Linda, would know to take her off to a quiet corner to look at photographs to settle her," Emma said.

"She would move her away from the TV and towards the garden.

“After mum had passed away at the care home, Linda joined me at mum’s bedside for some time. 

"It was a reflection of just how much she meant to me and how supported I have felt by her."

Dementia UK points to a lack of services are forcing more people to reach out to the charity for advice, with Admiral Nurses representing "the gold standard in dementia care."

Julie Allen, Head of Business and Service Development at Dementia UK said: "Our Helpline receives a high number of calls from Dorset in comparison to the rest of the UK, which points to the need to improve access to dementia care and support here.

"I am delighted about the potential of this new role to allow us to do just that.”

The recruitment campaign is being led by the Bournemouth-based Good Oaks Home Care team.

They specialise in providing live-in and visiting care to allow older people to remain at home.

Director of Good Oaks Home Care, Ben Ashton said they were honoured to be working with Dementia UK.

“We pride ourselves on putting clients at the centre of their care and work with them, their loved ones, GPs and their wider care team to help people live independent and happy lives in their own homes for as long as possible," he said.

"Admiral Nurses change lives, and we are looking for that special person to join our team.”