NHS Western Isles is set to recruit a dementia nurse to be based on Benbecula

Iain Stephen Morrison

Greater support will soon be available for people with a dementia diagnosis and their carers with the appointment of a specialist dementia nurse to be based on Benbecula.

NHS Western Isles advertised the full-time role last month, with the closing date for applications prior to the publication of this edition of Am Pàipear.

Dementia nurses work alongside individuals with dementia and their families, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions.

NHS Western Isles, in the recruitment documentation for this new role, states the successful candidate will ensure access to specialised dementia services for service users, carers, professionals and volunteers within the community.

Furthermore, the dementia nurse will support people to seek help early and understand the services that are available and make sure the right information is given to patients, carers and professional health and social care staff at the right time.

In addition to work with people who have received a dementia diagnosis and their carers, the new dementia nurse will collaborate with voluntary groups and other stakeholders to further develop a ‘dementia friendly’ community.

Dementia is a common condition that affects more than 90,000 people in Scotland. Dozens of different forms of dementia exist, although the risk of developing the disease increases as individuals get older, with the condition usually occurring in people over the age of 65.