June 2019 saw the introduction of specialist Admiral Nurses in Lincolnshire to support families living with dementia. Admiral Nurses are specialists who provide tier 3 support to those with the most complex and difficult situations. They work alongside families and other professionals when things become increasing challenging. Working on a 1:1 basis, Admiral Nurses provide expertise and knowledge to support carers facing the challenges of the present and future.
Lincolnshire has a number of unique challenges. Although one of the largest counties, its population is very dispersed, and on average slightly older. It also has a variety of affluence, deprivation, and health outcomes including a higher incidence of dementia risk factors such high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Historically, diagnosis rates have also varied, although efforts are in place to address this issue.
St Barnabas Hospice and Lincolnshire County Council both recognised the need to increase support for carers and people living with dementia in Lincolnshire. What resulted was unique hybrid of hospice and community-based Admiral Nurses with the aim of not only improving the quality of life and resilience of carers, but also to improve access to appropriate palliative care services for people with dementia.
A report has been written in partnership with Dementia UK, St Barnabas Hospice and Lincolnshire County Council to evaluate the first year that the Admiral Nursing team has been supporting the people of Lincolnshire. It covers the data collection period from August 1st 2019 to July 31st 2020. The aim of this evaluation report is to showcase the work of the Lincolnshire Admiral Nurse service and to highlight the achievements within it’s first year. This report provides a summary of who Admiral Nurses are, what they do, and the positive impact they are having in Lincolnshire.
The report provides an overview of the service activity, outputs and outcomes during the reporting period and using a range of evaluation methodology showcases the reach of the service in terms of numbers of carers supported, the Admiral Nurse interventions and activity and the difference this has made to both carers and professional stakeholders across Lincolnshire County.
Whilst reflecting on the highlights of this past year, the whole team thank our colleagues and partner services for the warm and supportive welcome we have received, the enthusiasm for working with us, and eagerness to ensure that the people of Lincolnshire have an innovative service that will meet the needs of those living with dementia. I am proud of the team and the progress made in this first year. I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to making this project a success and to improve the support for families living with dementia in Lincolnshire.
Read the report