The Oxleas Young Onset Dementia Project – Understanding Lived Experiences and Building Inclusive Support
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Green Room |
Dr Monica Crugel
Consultant in Older Adults Psychiatry
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Summary
Currently, in Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley, the care pathway for people with Young Onset Dementia (PWYOD) is the same as the one for older people with dementia: discharge from services once a diagnosis has been made and the person is stable on anti-dementia medication.
Our project aims to address the specific needs of PWYOD, which are often distinct and underserved. The objectives of our work are to: identify the number of PWYOD within our catchment area, understand their specific needs, develop a dedicated caseload, implement tailored interventions to support PWYOD, their families and wider support networks including children, and build a robust business case to commission appropriate, ongoing support for this group.
This project is developed with patients and their families, ensuring that their voices and lived experiences are central to service design and development.