HC-One has enhanced its dementia strategy to meet the rising demand for care.

There are currently half a million people living in care homes in the UK with 70% of these living with dementia. HC-One is the largest dementia care provider in the public sector.

Professor Graham Stokes, director of dementia care at HC-One, said: “The evolution of our dementia strategy is a key moment in enhancing the way we care at HC-One.

“As the largest provider of dementia care to the public sector, it’s only right that we’re continually reviewing and refreshing the way we care. The need for accessible and high quality dementia care is growing, and will continue to grow, and HC-One is ready to work with our partners to support individuals living with dementia to live the life they want.”

The strategy has been developed by HC-One’s specialist dementia care team led by Professor Stokes, a leading thinker and academic authority in dementia care in the UK.

It is developed around strategic commitments to support it to best meet the needs of residents living with dementia now and in the future, including:

Model: Developing a model that is rooted in evidence and best practice, including being underpinned by the Kitwood Flower of Emotional Needs which encompasses the six key psychological needs (love, comfort, identity, occupation, inclusion and attachment). This helps to shape the care we provide, and the workforce and skills we deliver.

Workforce: A redefined workforce, incorporating staffing models/structure, leadership, competence and excellence, with skill mix defined by levels of resident need.

Learning & development: A future-focussed tiered learning & development proposition delivered through both e-learning and face-to-face delivery, further equipping colleagues with the skills and expertise needed to provide residents with the best possible care, including those with complex behaviours.

Environment: New industry-leading standards for built environments (innovative and low arousal communities) which support residents’ individual needs, independence, and identity, in a homely setting.

To support the ongoing development and implementation of its forward-looking dementia strategy, HC-One has also invested its dementia clinical team, enhancing its expertise as it meets the evolving care needs.