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Compass Workers & Alzheimer’s Society

Supporting people with dementia and their carers

Mike Chappell – Compass Worker LeadScott Smith – Services Manager, Alzheimer’s Society

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Compass workers

Result of consultation between NCC and carers representatives

Commissioned by NCC Funded through the Better Care FundProvided by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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Compass workers

Paid peer support for carers of people with moderate to severe dementia living at home

Bridge between carers and services, emotional support and navigation of “maze”

Flexibility: - “out of hours” service if needed

- support after move into care

- support after bereavement

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Dovetailing Compass and Alzheimer’s Society services

Recognise need to make best use of limited resources for carers

Define service “edges” to avoid repetitionFoster closer working relationships at all levelsShare information when appropriate to improve outcomes for carers

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Compass outcomes350 referrals in the first yearUsing ACQoL 83% showed an increase in carer’s quality of life

76% felt Compass had had a positive effect on their own health and wellbeing

93% stated Compass had helped with their caring role

Demand outstripping capacity

Local Support

• Telephone information & support

• Support at clinics following diagnosis

• Dementia Cafés

• Carers support groups

• Carers information sessions

• Office appointments

• Home visits

• Side by Side Service

• Singing For The Brain

National Support

• Dementia Friendly Communities

• Dementia Connect

• National helpline (0300 222 1122 Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm- 10.00-4.00 pm

weekends)

• Fact sheets : reliable and up to date information

• Online support network ‘Talking Point’

‘I’ Statements

• 1. I have personal choice and control or influence over decisions about me.

• 2. I know that services are designed around me and my needs.

• 3. I have support that helps me live my life.

• 4. I have the knowledge and know-how to get what I need.

• 5. I live in an enabling and supportive environment where I feel valued and

understood.

• 6. I have a sense of belonging and of being a valued part of family, community

and civic life.

• 7. I know there is research going on which delivers a better life for me now and

hope for the future.

Partnership Working

• Strategic partnerships• Working partnerships• Diverse range of support

Opportunities/Challenges

• Awareness• Diagnosis• Funding• All services stretched

Moving Forward

• Joined up priorities• Awareness of each others roles and services• Continued dialogue• The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

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Thankyou

Mike Chappell – Mike.Chappell@nottshc.nhs.uk

Scott Smith – Scott.Smith@Alzheimers.org.uk