A new rapid response team has been established by NHS Forth Valley to support care at home for patients with dementia, and their carers. Staffed by four specialist nurses and two community care assistants, it will try to head off ‘crisis situations’ and prevent unnecessary hospital admission.

Known as DOT, the Dementia Outreach Team is based at Stirling Community Hospital but provides a service to local people and their families across Forth Valley.

Around 4,700 people in Forth Valley are estimated to have a dementia. The illness may cause stress and distress for patients, family and carers. The Dementia Outreach Team is available for people with a diagnosis of a dementia and may be accessed through their GP.

The team say they hope to respond within two working days after the initial contact. The outreach nurses will carry out a comprehensive assessment and provide advice, practical assistance and support to patients, family members and carers.

NHS Forth Valley Dementia Outreach Nurse, Alister Edmond, explained: “”The team takes a holistic and proactive approach where they are able to work with the family to avoid what could become a crisis situation and ultimately prevent the patient having to be admitted to hospital.”

Intensive support will be offered initially for 6 weeks and the care and support will then be reviewed. Throughout, DOT will work closely with other local support services including social work and the local Enhanced Community Team.

Issued by NHS Forth Valley’s Communications Department