Dementia Friendly Pharmacies

A comprehensive collection of information and resources to help you and your pharmacy teams deliver the highest level of care to people living with dementia, as well as the 'carers' and families who are looking after them.

The rapid rise in the number of people affected by dementia has caused everyone from healthcare professionals to the public and politicians to stand up and take notice. Dementia affects over 800,000 people in the UK, but is predicted to top a million by 2021 and two million by 2050. The burden on society is substantial; the condition costs the economy £23.6 billion per annum and this is predicted to rise to £59.4 billion by 2050. The burden on families is considerable too, with 670,000 family members currently caring for people with dementia.

Dementia is a growing issue. Pharmacy is at the heart of the community and is the touchpoint for many people who are ageing and likely to develop dementia. Pharmacy has a community responsibility as well as a patient care responsibility and can help identify people with dementia as well as support them and their carers.

The NHS England - South (Wessex) Pharmacy Local Professional Network developed a Dementia Friendly Pharmacy Framework, with an aim to have 400 Dementia Friendly Pharmacies across Wessex declare their completion of this by 31st March 2018.

A total of 9 engagement events were hosted all across Wessex during January to engage with and support pharmacies in achieving the standards required to declare completion of the framework. A number of the completed pharmacies will then be visited to ensure the standards have been achieved as well as to experience and learn some best practices form the visits which could be shared to the benefit of all the others.

Dementia Resources - Signposting, Support Groups, Local activities and other 'whats good to know' information for your teams

The following information is duplicated from the 'For the Public' section of our website