Conferences: International Dementia Conference and National Dementia Congress

Community Integrated Care will be taking part in two of the dementia care sector’s top conferences this November, when we present at the International Dementia Conference (Vox, Birmingham, Nov 3rd) and the National Dementia Congress (International Centre, Telford, Nov 3rd-5th).

At both conferences, our charity will be sharing insight from our pioneering integrated partnership with NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and Halton Borough Council, which has transformed St Luke’s Care Home in Runcorn from a traditional care service into a genuine centre of excellence.

St Luke’s has a unique approach to care, which has been described by esteemed care sector publication, Journal of Dementia Care as “the vanguard of best-practice in dementia care”. This year it has been shortlisted for top awards at the 3rd Sector Care Awards and Laing Buisson Awards.

The approach sees Community Integrated Care’s specially trained support staff work side-by-side with clinical specialists from the local NHS every day – including GP’s and the local mental health team. By having this clinical input in St Luke’s, residents are supported to stay in the home through challenges with their health, avoiding the need for hospital admissions.

The home also recently enjoyed a £250,000 investment, which has created a more dementia-friendly environment. This included developing creative spaces, such as a cinema, pub, indoor gardens, seaside area, and an incredible reminiscence room that is furnished with authentic objects from the 1950s and 60s.  This investment was jointly funded by Community Integrated Care and NHS Halton CCG.

At the International Conference (Room 5, 11am), which is overseen by Stirling University’s Dementia Centre, they will be presenting about how they created this integrated partnership. They will also share the ingredients for this success – a collaborative commissioner-provider relationship, pooled health and social care budgets, and a willingness to think creatively and take risks.

Cath Murray-Howard, our Deputy Chief Executive, will be presenting at both events with Dave Sweeney, Director of Transformation at NHS Halton CCG and Halton Borough Council.

At the National Dementia Congress (4tth Dec, midday, Newport Room) they will be showcasing how the approach at St Luke’s meets the aspirations of The Care Act – integration; upfront investment to reduce long-term demand; preventing the escalation of needs; and concentrating on the outcomes people want to achieve.

Also speaking at the Congress will be Phil Benson, Service Manager at The Peele Care Home, who will be presenting on delivering a person-centred approach to continence care (Nov 5th, 8.30am, Beckbury 1). Next year, Phil will be taking up the post as the Manager of our new £4.8m specialist dementia care home, EachStep Blackburn.

Cath Murray-Howard says: “Community Integrated Care has been progressing some real innovation in dementia care, and we’ve been delighted to see this recognised this year at national conferences and awards. We’re looking forward to sharing with the sector some of the insight that we have gained, at these two important events. Our presentations will demonstrate the impact that integration, ambitious partnerships and person-centred support can make to the lives of people who live with dementia.”