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THE ROLES OF OTHER MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
When looking after someone with dementia you may encounter a wide range of medical practitioners apart from the GP (see the previous page) so I thought it may be useful to give a brief description of each role and what they do. Please remember this may be different where you live. Dementia UK have Admiral Nurses who are specialist dementia nurses who give expert practical, clinical and emotional support to families living with dementia to help them cope.They are registered nurses, and have significant experience of working with people with dementia before becoming an Admiral Nurse. Most work for the NHS in communities, helping people with dementia to stay at home for longer. They also work in other settings, including care homes, hospitals and hospices. You'll find more information as well as a map to finding local services here 
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Pharmacist: advice on simple health problems and medication. Can also arrange a 'dosette box' which makes taking medication easier. A week of meds are dispensed into a box with sections for each day: morning/lunch/eve. They can also advise on different formulations of medication if swallowing is difficult, e.g. Paracetamol liquid instead of tablets.
District nurse: provides medical care in the community. For example, continence and catheter care, dressing changes, blood tests, end-of-life care. Occupational therapist: assess mobility and aid & adaptation requirements For example:
There is more information about the role of OTs on The British Association of Occupational Therapists and College of Occupational Therapists Speech and language therapist (SALT): advice on speech and communication. In the later stages of dementia there may be difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). The SALT can assess and give advice. Eg modifications to consistency of food/drink such as easy-chew diet or purée and thickened fluids. Advice on mouth care and positioning when eating & drinking. |
Dietitian: Take a look at the blog by Sheila Merriman which is part of the series Gill Phillips commissioned on her website. The role of the dietitian is to give advice on nutrition and diet. See the link to SALT above too.
Psychiatrist: specialist dementia care. These Psychiatrists specialise in older age and specifically in dementia care. One of their roles is to make the assessment of dementia. They also have a role in the management of behavioural & psychiatric symptoms in dementia. Often in conjunction with CPN. May recommend medication - not necessarily antipsychotics.
Community psychiatric nurse (CPN): These are mental health nurses who work in the community. They don't undertake physical nursing tasks; their role is to support, treat and advise the person with dementia and their carers.
Social worker: See the page "Local Authorities, social care and Social Workers
Physiotherapist: can support the person with dementia, for example where they have had surgery and need to undertake exercise to enable healing and flexibility. See the page "the role of Physiotherapists" for more.
Opticians: some opticians will do home visits and specialise in eye tests for people with dementia
Dentist: There's a specific page related to Dental health and one on visiting the dentist.
There other professionals you may encounter, including podiatrists and psychologists.
With thanks to @AliciaRidout3h
Psychiatrist: specialist dementia care. These Psychiatrists specialise in older age and specifically in dementia care. One of their roles is to make the assessment of dementia. They also have a role in the management of behavioural & psychiatric symptoms in dementia. Often in conjunction with CPN. May recommend medication - not necessarily antipsychotics.
Community psychiatric nurse (CPN): These are mental health nurses who work in the community. They don't undertake physical nursing tasks; their role is to support, treat and advise the person with dementia and their carers.
Social worker: See the page "Local Authorities, social care and Social Workers
Physiotherapist: can support the person with dementia, for example where they have had surgery and need to undertake exercise to enable healing and flexibility. See the page "the role of Physiotherapists" for more.
Opticians: some opticians will do home visits and specialise in eye tests for people with dementia
Dentist: There's a specific page related to Dental health and one on visiting the dentist.
There other professionals you may encounter, including podiatrists and psychologists.
With thanks to @AliciaRidout3h
