Workforce Matters: Putting People Affected by Dementia at the Heart of Care

People with dementia should be able to live the lives they wish to lead and this should not be restricted because they need to draw on social care.

The APPG on Dementia has conducted an inquiry into how the social care workforce can enable this to happen, centred around the question: how can we build a social care workforce which supports people with dementia, and their families, live the lives they wish to lead? 

The Group was particularly interested in exploring the more specialist needs of people with dementia who draw on care, what the barriers are to them accessing this care, and to what extent people living with dementia can shape the care they receive. 

The inquiry also investigated how:

  • those with dementia from underrepresented groups are supported in care
  • how technology and research can be used to support care staff in delivering more personalised care
  • how the Government's proposals on reforms to the social care workforce should support people with dementia.

As part of the inquiry, the APPG sought written evidence submissions, surveyed nearly 2,000 people affected by dementia, and held four oral evidence sessions.

Read the Workforce Matters report

Watch back previous APPG inquiry evidence sessions

During this session, the Group explored what the needs are of people with dementia, how these do and don't differ from others who draw on social care, and what the barriers are to them accessing the care they wish to receive. 

During this session, the Group heard from: 

  • Paul Edwards: Director of Clinical Services, Dementia UK
  • Trevor and Gaye  - Two people affected by dementia. 

There is a recording of the session available to watch.

During this session, the Group explored how a social care workforce can support people's cultural and social needs. 

During this session, the Group heard from: 

  • Mohammed Akhlak Rauf MBE - Meri Yaadain CiC
  • Barbara Gray - Health Inequalities and Diversity Advisor, and family carer. 
  • Morcea Walker - Trustee, Health Watch and community leader. 

There is a recording of the session available to watch. 

During this session, the Group explored how we can train and skill the care workforce to support people with dementia to live the lives they wish to lead. The Group heard from:

  • Professor Clive Ballard - Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health and lead researcher for the WHELD Programme
  • Jenny Paton - Strategy, Impact and Policy Director, Skills for Care 

There is a recording of the session available to watch.

During this session, the Group explored the Government's role in reforming the social care workforce and the future of dementia care. The Group heard from:

  • Cath Barton - Development and Operations Lead, Community Circles
  • Kath Crowther - a person affected by dementia who received support from Community Circles
  • Claire Morphet - Family Support Manager PossAbilities, Shared Lives care service lead

There is a recording of the session available to watch.

Categories