Improving Social Care for People with Young Onset Dementia | BASW England Mental Health Group Lunchtime Session

Young onset dementia (YOD), where symptoms develop before sixty-five years, is an area of inequity in dementia care. Social care has an important role in supporting people with young onset dementia to remain independent, have control over their lives, do things they enjoy and maintain positive family relationships. When social care needs are not met, it can reduce a person’s wellbeing and may lead to crises for both the individual and their supporters. There is a clear need to improve social care for this group and address these inequalities. This talk will share key findings from the DYNAMIC project, which looked at the social care needs of people with YOD and their main supporters. It will focus on two main findings: the need for better awareness of young onset dementia among social care staff, and the financial challenges faced by those living with YOD. The talk will also highlight the co-produced resources developed as part of the project.

Dr Catherine Quinn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford. Catherine’s research focuses on improving the quality of life of those affected by dementia and is particularly interested in improving the support provision for family carers. Catherine was Co-PI on the DYNAMIC study which focused on improving social care planning and provision for people with young onset dementia and their families. Catherine is affiliated with the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Dementia and Neurodegeneration (DeNPRU Exeter) and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Yorkshire and Humber.

Catherine's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-quinn-a1a297a0/