The demands on health and social care have
never been greater. Healthcare professionals
work in a complex landscape, with
resource-strapped services and frequent
reports that highlight the variable quality
of care experiences. As a result, it is vital to
consider how service partnerships can be
improved to provide a better future for some
of the most vulnerable people in society.
There are 240,000 people in care homes
in the UK, and it is estimated that 70% of
residents have dementia (NHS England
(NHSE) 2014). The age of the resident
population means that most will have a range
of comorbidities and this affects how care can,
and should be, delivered. In contrast, 40% of
people over the age of 65 occupying a hospital
bed will be living with dementia (Alzheimer’s
Society (AS) 2014).
Improving care is more than a monetary
issue; equal focus should be given to the input
of healthcare professionals and support for
them to improve their work. The care home
sector and the NHS must work together
to ensure best outcomes through time