A PRIVATE healthcare firm has announced plans to introduce specialist dementia nurses in Scotland.
Bupa has teamed up with Dementia UK to introduce two 'Admiral Nurses' north of the border to boost support for families and help coordinate the cases of people living with the illness.
The nurses will split their time between helping residents in Bupa care homes and working with people in the community, regardless of whether they are Bupa customers or not.
The healthcare firm claims the nurses will join up different parts of the health and social care system, reducing contact time with GPs and social workers and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.
Hilda Hayo, Chief Executive of Dementia UK said: "Dementia UK is delighted by the appointment of the first Admiral Nurses to Scotland.
"Admiral Nurses with their specialised training are able to provide an excellent level of dementia care, and can deliver an adaptable model of service to the environment they are in - in this instance within the care home, and in collaboration with Bupa.
"[Their] skills will be an invaluable asset to the residents of the Bupa care homes, and in the community, across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the west of Scotland."
The Admiral Nurses will join a large number of specialist dementia nurses already working in Scotland - including a number of Alzheimer Scotland medical professionals.
June Andrews, a professor in dementia services at Stirling University, said: "Every extra little thing done for people with dementia is to be welcomed.
"It is important though, to recognize that these nurses will have a big job on their hands."
The specialist nurses have been named as Tom Bohlke and Gareth Hammond, both of whom has many years' experience in health and dementia care.
They will support care home managers with training, practice observations, and coaching; and will be pro-active in creating dementia support groups for relatives, staff, and people with dementia so they have a platform to share experiences and learn from each other.
Mr Hammond said: "As an Admiral Nurse I can provide advice on how to reduce stress and distress; regularly evaluate the person with dementia's physical and social environments, and areas of interest, to maximise social stimuli; and focus on ensuring activity for their well-being."
Earlier this year, Bupa announced a plan to recruit 150 'dementia ambassadors' in Scotland, ensuring at least three will be on hand in each of its care homes.
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