Diagnosing Advanced Dementia Mandate (DiADeM)

Diagnosing Advanced Dementia Mandate (DiADeM)
Cheshire West Care Home DiADeM Service

Background

Dementia Resource Community (DRC) a non-profit organisation specialises in the provision of Memory Assessment Nurses, Dementia Specialist Nurses and Admiral Nurses (in specific localities). In 2022 DRC was commissioned to run an NHS England funded pilot in Wirral This identified a prevalence of people in care homes with undiagnosed dementia. This pilot scheme evidenced the benefits of a thorough assessment and formal diagnosis.

This assessment process will now be available across Cheshire West as part of the new Dementia Specialist Nurse (DSN) Service for CMHT referrals.

What are the benefits of formalising a diagnosis?

Improve understanding of the person’s needs and a specialist assessment which may identify other treatable conditions such as depression.

Other health and social care professionals will know about the diagnosis and will be better able to support the person with dementia.

Support to relatives and care staff during this process.

The team will review any prescribed antipsychotic medication and may suggest alternative non-pharmacological approaches.

The diagnosis can inform future care planning and decision making with regards to treatment and symptom control.

FAQs.

Questions about DiADeM and the implications of having the assessment.

Will this mean I (the person living in care) will have to move?

No, a diagnosis of dementia will help the care team to identify and better understand your needs. It should, therefore, help them to meet your needs better.

Will I (the person living in care) need lots of investigations and appointments?

No, unless there is a significant clinical need identified by the assessor, in which case you and/or those who support you will be involved in discussing the options and the decision-making process.

Diagnosing Advanced Dementia Mandate (DiADeM)