Admiral Nurse Dementia Service

St Mary’s Hospice Admiral Nurse Service is launching in 2024!

St. Mary’s Hospice is delighted to launch their new Admiral Dementia Nurse service. Admiral Nurses are qualified dementia specialist nurses. Their professional development is supported by the charity Dementia UK. They are a lifeline for people living with dementia and their families, providing tailored clinical advice alongside psychological and social support which promotes health and wellbeing. Their extensive knowledge of dementia means they can support people through the most complex of situations.

When admitted to the service, your Admiral Nurse will commence an assessment of you and your family then provide personalised support with all aspects of dementia from dealing with symptoms such as distress or sleep problems, to stress management and coping strategies. They will focus on the family as a whole, ensuring your carers have the skills and knowledge they need to continue in their vital role. They can build links with other health and social care professionals, and support with care coordination. They will advocate for you and support with navigating the complex care systems, helping you with complicated processes such as applying for benefits or funding, or planning for your future and death.

Dementia is a life-limiting condition so a palliative approach is a fundamental part of good dementia care which improves quality of life for people and their families supporting them to live well and die well.

This service is available to any individuals or families who are already using one of our St. Mary’s Hospice services and staff will take you through the referral process if your needs meet the referral criteria. However, support and guidance are available for anyone affected by dementia. Please contact 01229 580 305 ext 252 or email admiraldementiateam@stmaryshospice.org.uk. Office hours are 9am-5pm. The office is closed during bank holidays. Please contact Dementia UK helpline on 0800 888 6678 with queries outside of these hours.

Meet the team!

Sophie, Dementia Admiral Nurse

Name: Sophie Ayeche

Role: Admiral Nurse Dementia Specialist

I joined the team at St. Mary’s Hospice in 2022 having previously worked in a nursing home alongside people living with advanced dementia. I am now delighted to join the Compassionate Communities Team where I am specialising in dementia nursing in collaboration with the wonderful charity, Dementia UK. I have always been passionate about dementia nursing, and I am committed to delivering high quality, person-centered care which promotes independence, equality, dignity and sustainability.

Name: Janice McKenna

Role: Admiral Nurse Assistant

I started working at St Mary’s Hospice Compassionate Community Hub in September 2022. My Dementia training started from working at Furness General Hospital.

With losing both my parents from Dementia, it gave me purpose to educate and help families going through Dementia in their lives.

My Role in the Dementia Service, Senior Healthcare Assistant, I organise and run the Dementia Cafes in Ulverston St Mary’s Hospice, Windermere Marchesi Centre, Millom Methodist Church, Woodland Wellness Group, Barrow Dementia Café.

I have a lot of passion and dedication through my experiences in running Dementia Café’s, it brings laughter which is truly the best medicine, making someone smile, even for a short time can make a world of difference.

Engage with Families and Carers with love ones with Dementia. Work alongside with staff from Age UK, Dignity and Dementia, Dementia UK, Trinity Hospice.

Connecting with others

Dementia Cafés offer a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences and socialise in a relaxed and supportive environment. A range of dementia friendly, therapeutic activity is available which encourages meaningful social connection and can improve some of the symptoms associated with dementia, and enhance quality of life, confidence and self-esteem. Please see our Facebook page for upcoming program of events.

With many thanks to Home Instead

All of the sessions will include information, advice and guidance from the Admiral Nurse dementia specialist team. These sessions are for anyone affected by dementia and our staff will welcome and support you throughout. If you’re interested in joining us, please complete the referral form and return to referrals@stmaryshospice.org.uk.

Dementia Cafés offer a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences and socialise in a relaxed and supportive environment. A range of dementia friendly, therapeutic activity is available which encourages meaningful social connection and can improve some of the symptoms associated with dementia, and enhance quality of life, confidence and self-esteem. Please see our Facebook page for upcoming program of events.

With many thanks to Home Instead

All of the sessions will include information, advice and guidance from the Admiral Nurse dementia specialist team. These sessions are for anyone affected by dementia and our staff will welcome and support you throughout. If you’re interested in joining us, please complete the referral form and return to referrals@stmaryshospice.org.uk.

These sessions offer people living with dementia and their carers the opportunity to connect with nature and their surrounding environment. This type of purposeful activity has been found to improve mental and physical wellbeing, increase sense of empowerment and control, and enhance social interaction. Please see our Facebook page for upcoming program of events.

With many thanks to Dignity in Dementia

All of the sessions will include information, advice and guidance from the Admiral Nurse dementia specialist team. These sessions are for anyone affected by dementia and our staff will welcome and support you throughout. If you’re interested in joining us, please complete the referral form and return to referrals@stmaryshospice.org.uk.

LAUNCHING SOON!

Sporting Memories is a club which provides a supportive and structured environment where the community can come together and get active, or share stories and reminisce through the power of sport. This activity has been found to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve mental and physical wellbeing for its members. Please see our Facebook page for upcoming program of events.

With many thanks to Active Cumbria

Dementia Cafés

Our Dementia Team currently facilitate Dementia Cafés across Furness and South Lakes.

We invite you to join us, have a cup of tea with someone who understands. Our highly skilled Dementia staff can give you information and help sign post you to other available support services.

Your local Dementia Café provides a safe and supportive place for you to:

· Discuss your own dementia diagnosis, or someone else’s, and think about what it means for the future

· Get answers from trained staff and meet and learn from other people in similar situations

· Keep active, make new friends and feel more confident.

 

We currently provide Café in Barrow, Ulverston, Windermere and Millom.

If you would like to find out more information about our Dementia Café’s or to book a place to attend, please contact the team on 01229 444407.