New guidance supporting people living with dementia
NEW guidance published by the Department of Health & Social Care, authored by the University of Bath, aims to protect people living with dementia suffering (or at risk of) abuse by involving them more actively in their care plans.
It is estimated that 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia and the guidance highlights that they are at greater risk of abuse or neglect than those without a diagnosis. The guidance suggests that practitioners must consider how the person who is central to the adult safeguarding process views the alleged neglect/abuse and to ensure that they're central to the decision-making.
Among the suggestions for good practice are that people should not be exclude because of their dementia, that the practitioner should speak with the person and get to know them and also allow them to express their views.
The guidance brings together research undertaken by Dr Jeremy Dixon, at the University of Bath. Practice suggestions are drawn from consultations with people living with dementia and their families and carers, amongst others.
You can read the guidance here
Published