Stroke Association Luton
Our core service provides high quality information, emotional support and practical advice in the aftermath of a stroke. We begin working with a stroke survivor and their family immediately following a stroke, and will continue to provide the support people need, for as long as they need it – in hospitals and care homes, within their own homes and back into the community
- Updated:
- 21 September 2016
- Location:
- East of England
- Sectors:
- Charity
- Local Alliances:
- Luton Dementia Action Alliance
1. Action Plan
1. The National Dementia Declaration lists seven outcomes that the DAA are seeking to achieve for people with dementia and their carers. How would you describe your organisation’s role in delivering better outcomes for people with dementia and their carers?
A quarter of people who have a stroke will go on to develop vascular dementia and as the symptoms of vascular dementia are different from the cognitive impairment following stroke, we need to be aware of these differences and ensure we signpost service users appropriately so that they receive the specialised, treatment and support they need.
Uncontrolled blood pressure, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and lack of exercise are causal factors for dementia as well as stroke and so the promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention activity, undertaken as a matter of course by our service coordinators, have a dual purpose in effectively preventing both conditions.
Our services are designed to give people the information they need and to support people in their own homes, improve their quality of life, bring dignity and respect, choice and control to individuals who are living with a long term condition without stigma and not in isolation. These echo the vision of the National Dementia Declaration.
2. What are the challenges to delivering these outcomes from the perspective of your organisation?
Vascular dementia is often missed in people who have had a stroke as there is little awareness of the condition. Training is needed for health professionals and our staff to recognise symptoms and signpost appropriately. The link between stroke, TIA and vascular dementia needs to be highlighted in awareness campaigns and relevant information given to stroke survivors with dementia and their families.
The identification of risk factors and their control for stroke prevention are likely to have a positive effect on preventing or minimising dementia. Therefore an emphasis on both conditions when promoting healthy lifestyles would reinforce the dual benefits for physical and cognitive health.
2. Actions
-
Encourage all staff to become Dementia Friends
Information Advice and Support Co-ordinator to become Dementia Friends Champion and roll out information to Luton colleagues and community groups
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
Always include information about dementia and dementia services in stroke awareness events and Know Your Blood Pressure sessions
Include Dementia Friends Information Session at these events
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
Embed information about dementia and its prevention in the secondary prevention and healthy lifestyle advice given by staff to stroke survivors and their families
Training and awareness of staff and appropriate information available at all visits
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
To support Stroke Association’s national strategy on dementia
Pass on and act upon information and directives issued from the organisation to the region
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
Cross referrals to improve outcomes for people in the community
Refer stroke survivors and community groups affected by dementia to Alzheimer’s Society
- Status:
- Being implemented
-
Work with other community support groups at public engagement events
Invite other relevant groups to present at Stroke Association events and vice versa
- Status:
- Being implemented