November 9th at 8.30am I lost my beloved Mum to Dementia, a devastating disease that took a toll not only on her but on all of us who cared for her. We established a rotating schedule to ensure she was never alone and spent countless hours by her side, especially during her frequent hospitalizations due to infections in the last three months of her life. Throughout this challenging journey, we realized firsthand the dire lack of support available for families dealing with Dementia.

In all those trying months, the only consistent support we received came from a remarkable Admiral Nurse at the hospital. This individual provided the understanding and guidance we desperately needed but was bound by the confines of the hospital, unable to extend their invaluable support into the community where it is equally needed. Our struggle highlighted a significant gap in care—a lack of sufficient Admiral Nurses available both in hospital settings and within the community to assist families like ours.

Admiral Nurses, who are specialists in Dementia care, provide not just medical assistance but emotional, psychological, and practical support, significantly improving the quality of life for both patients and families. However, the current shortage leaves many without this essential support mechanism, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety during an already difficult time.

According to Dementia UK, it’s estimated that there are over 900,000 people living with Dementia in the UK, a number projected to increase to over 1.6 million by 2040. Despite the growing need, there are limited Admiral Nurses available to meet the demand. This shortage particularly affects rural areas where access to specialized care is already sparse.

We must address this pressing issue by advocating for the expansion of the Admiral Nurse service both in hospitals and throughout our communities. By doing so, we can ensure that families facing the challenges of Dementia receive the support necessary to navigate this difficult journey with compassion and dignity.

Sign this petition to call upon healthcare authorities and stakeholders to fund and train more Admiral Nurses, so every family dealing with Dementia has access to the support they need. Together, we can make a difference and ensure no family faces this battle alone.