Sometimes the simplest and most sensible ideas sound surprising when we first hear them. So it is with some of the concepts put forth by dementia care expert June Andrews, who believes we need to radically change dementia care.
“Professor June Andrews is on a mission,” says BBC host Ben Handley by way of introduction to the twenty-minute podcast below. Andrews’ mission began he continues “when she started her career as a nurse and witnessed what she thought was in many cases shockingly inadequate treatment of older people in hospital. She went on to become director of nursing at two general hospitals, she led the Royal College of Nursing in Scotland and has advised governments and health authorities at home and abroad.”
Andrews champions new approaches to dealing with dementia and argues that we need a low-cost “revolution” in elder care. She’s frank and open and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
“Hospital is a terrible place for a person with dementia,” Andrews says. “The things that happened to them in hospital don’t make them better, they make them worse.” She says enormous amounts of money are wasted on delivering poor care, and she has some clear and specific ideas on how to create positive change. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
My Alzheimer's Story 
It’s good to hear a practical voice among all the dramatic ones I’ve been looped into lately. Dementia is what it is, and it doesn’t make sense to spend any time and energy hating or resenting it. I loved her simple solution for the woman who stood on her mattress, and I hope some decision-makers are listening and taking notes. Thanks for sharing, Susan.
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It is indeed. She is calm and reasonable and sensible, unlike the vast majority of people who are impacted by dementia. Planning. We all need to plan. Governments in particular.
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Also notice that she’s says her daughter will stop them from sedating her… Sadly, I tried by failed. On the other hand, hundreds, maybe even thousands will benefit from the fact that I failed.
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I am preparing to move in with my daughter and her family as my health is declining. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity instead of going to a nursing home. Making the transition will be hard enough. It’s hard to leave my home of 30 years and move in with my daughter and 3 children, but it sure is better than going to a nursing home.
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Paulan, you are so right: you are very fortunate. Not all children can or want to have a parent move in with them, and not all parents can or want to move in with their children. But when it possible and desired by all concerned, I feel it’s a real blessing. I hope the transition is easier than you think it will be ❤
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