Understanding Dementia Care

Assignment Brief

Learning Outcomes

All modules in UK Higher Education have learning outcomes that you will study towards and then demonstrate you have met them. In order to do this, you will draw on many factors such as:

• your prior learning and experience

• the module learning units and task

• your wider reading, reflection (and possibly practice)

• and, also the expertise of your tutors and other students. 

In most modules, it will be clear exactly which of these learning outcomes is assessed in which of the assessments you have to submit and pass. 

On successful completion of this learning, and this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the context of health and social care initiatives in dementia care (locally, nationally and internationally)

2. Critically analyse barriers to maintaining personhood.

3. Critically reflect on their own effectiveness in developing a service improvement project/initiative.

Sample Answer

Policy Context, Personhood, and Service Improvement in the UK

Introduction

Dementia is one of the most pressing health and social care challenges in the United Kingdom, affecting nearly one million people and projected to rise significantly by 2040 (Alzheimer’s Society, 2023). This essay critically explores the context of health and social care initiatives in dementia care, both within the UK and in international settings. It examines the barriers to maintaining personhood in individuals living with dementia, including social stigma, institutional care models, and communication breakdowns. The essay also reflects on the effectiveness of service improvement projects in dementia care and how practitioners can enhance their contribution to person-centred support.

The discussion begins by analysing the policy framework that shapes dementia care, followed by a critical evaluation of how personhood is supported or hindered in practice. It concludes with a reflective section on improving care delivery through evidence-based service improvement initiatives.

The Context of Dementia Care Initiatives in the UK and Beyond

The UK government has implemented several national frameworks to address dementia as both a public health and social care priority. The landmark policy, “Living Well with Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy” (Department of Health, 2009), marked a turning point in recognising dementia as not only a medical condition but also a social and community issue. The strategy set out objectives to improve early diagnosis, raise awareness, and support carers. More recently, the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020 further emphasised high-quality post-diagnostic support and a dementia-friendly society (Department of Health and Social Care, 2015).

At the local level, NHS England and local authorities are jointly responsible for commissioning dementia services under the Health and Social Care Act (2012). This integration aims to ensure continuity of care between hospital, community, and residential services. However, research shows that fragmentation persists between sectors, with delayed diagnoses, inconsistent care quality, and workforce shortages still limiting effective delivery (Banerjee, 2020).

Internationally, the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia (2017-2025) calls for national strategies that promote prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and caregiver support (WHO, 2017). Countries such as Japan and Sweden have pioneered dementia-friendly initiatives focused on community inclusion and technology-supported care, offering valuable lessons for the UK. For example, Japan’s “Orange Plan” integrates social participation and community education to combat stigma (Kanehara et al., 2019). The UK’s efforts, while strong in policy rhetoric, often lag behind in consistent implementation due to resource constraints and workforce pressures.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed weaknesses in dementia care. Reports show that people with dementia were disproportionately affected due to isolation, reduced service access, and increased mortality in care homes (ONS, 2021). The crisis underscored the need for resilience, compassion, and leadership in dementia policy and practice.

Barriers to Maintaining Personhood in Dementia Care

The concept of personhood, first articulated by Kitwood (1997), lies at the heart of dementia care. It recognises that people with dementia are more than their diagnosis and must be supported as individuals with unique histories, relationships, and preferences. Despite its centrality to modern nursing, several barriers continue to undermine person-centred care in practice.

A key barrier is institutional culture. In many care settings, task-oriented routines prioritise efficiency over emotional and relational care (Brooker & Latham, 2016). This culture can lead to “depersonalisation,” where individuals are treated according to their symptoms rather than their personhood. For instance, rigid medication schedules or standardised mealtimes may neglect individual needs and preferences.

Workforce challenges also hinder person-centred practice. Chronic understaffing and time pressures limit opportunities for meaningful engagement between nurses and patients. The King’s Fund (2022) highlights that many frontline staff feel emotionally drained and unsupported, leading to compassion fatigue and reduced quality of care. Continuous professional development and reflective supervision are therefore essential to sustain empathy and person-centred communication.

Cultural differences further complicate care relationships. The nurse’s cultural background can affect how they perceive illness, ageing, and family involvement. For example, in collectivist cultures, family decision-making is often prioritised, while in Western systems, individual autonomy dominates. Misunderstanding these differences may lead to ethical tensions or miscommunication (Papadopoulos, 2018). Training in cultural competence and self-awareness helps bridge these gaps, allowing nurses to deliver care that respects diversity and identity.

Continued...