Southern Cross Launches pioneering Dementia Care Strategy. A Strategy set to transform dementia care practices across the UK

Southern Cross, the UK’s largest care home operator, launches its Dementia Care Strategy, Making Every Moment Matter.   Supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and sponsored by Boots Care Services, the Strategy aims to deliver evidence based practices that will transform dementia care in the UK.

Dementia affects 750,000 people in the UK and costs the UK economy £20 billion a year*, but dementia research remains extremely underfunded. Deborah Sturdy, Head of Dementia Care at Southern Cross, in conjunction with Professor Irene Gray, Director of Care at Southern Cross, have developed the strategy as a means of addressing the urgent need for a specialist and tailored approach to dementia care.

Focusing on a partnership approach with existing local community, health and social care services, the strategy seeks to develop Models of Care which will help provide a blueprint for Dementia care.  It is envisioned that these Models could be followed by all care providers, promoting greater independence and quality of life for people living with Dementia.  

Commenting on the Strategy’s launch, Deborah Sturdy stated; “Dementia is a complex condition that requires specific knowledge, skills and provision of key services in order to provide high quality of care.  As our knowledge of dementia continues to develop, it is possible to dramatically improve quality of life and prolong a person’s independence.  We believe that it is about Making Every Moment Matter - the core objective of our strategy.  I am very excited about today’s launch and I look forward to rolling the strategy out across our Homes and hope that other care providers will adopt the strategy as a guide in the future.”

Jeremy Hughes, CEO, Alzheimer’s Society commented; “Excellent dementia care requires a specific skill set and deep understanding that can only be provided by detailed analysis and study of the condition and of the people living with it.  Southern Cross understands this and their Dementia Strategy, as well as their membership in the Dementia Action Alliance, demonstrates a strong commitment to providing the most advanced and innovative dementia care founded on research and experience.  We look forward to continuing our work with Southern Cross to improve the care and quality of life for people with dementia.  We are confident this strategy will help us achieve that. ”

Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia said “The National Dementia Strategy in England sets out an ambitious five year plan to improve the care of people with dementia and their carers.  Delivering excellence for residents with dementia in Care Homes is one of the priorities in our strategic implementation plan. The Southern Cross Healthcare Dementia Strategy is to be applauded for its drive and ambition to make the change that residents, their families and staff want to achieve.”

Making Every Moment Matter details specific objectives, each with measureable deliverables, designed to enhance the quality of dementia care across the UK.  These include Models of Care that will reflect and meet the needs of people diagnosed with the condition, utilising services provided in the local community to support people to live independent lives.  Care delivery will be underpinned by available evidence based practice and effective leadership in all Southern Cross Healthcare Homes and performance will be monitored and built on to make services better for Residents. 

For a full copy of our guide Dementia Care, please click here.