Admiral Nurse Dementia Service

Admiral Nurses are highly trained dementia specialist nurses supported by the charity Dementia UK. They provide a lifeline for individuals living with dementia and their families, offering tailored clinical advice alongside emotional, psychological, and social support to promote health and wellbeing. With their extensive expertise, Admiral Nurses are equipped to assist in even the most complex situations.

What to Expect from the Service
When you are referred to the service, your Admiral Nurse will begin with a thorough assessment of your needs and those of your family. From there, they will provide personalised support covering all aspects of dementia care, including:

Managing symptoms such as distress or sleep problems.

Offering stress management and coping strategies.

Focusing on the whole family’s needs, ensuring carers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue in their essential roles.

Coordinating care by building connections with other health and social care professionals.

Advocating for you, helping to navigate complex care systems, and assisting with applications for benefits, funding, or future planning, including end-of-life care.

Admiral Nurses take a palliative approach, recognising that dementia is a life-limiting condition. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families, helping them to live well and die well with dignity and support.

Accessing the Service
This service is available to individuals and families already using St. Mary’s Hospice services. If you are identified as having complex needs, our team will guide you through the referral process if your situation meets the criteria. However, support and guidance are available for anyone affected by dementia.

Contact Details
For more information, please call 01229 444407 or email admiraldementiateam@stmaryshospice.org.uk. Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that the office is closed on bank holidays. For queries outside of these hours, you can contact the Dementia UK helpline at 0800 888 6678.

This service is here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate dementia care with expertise and compassion.

Meet the team!

Name: Sophie Ayeche

Role: Admiral Nurse Dementia Specialist

I joined the team at St Mary’s Hospice in 2022, bringing with me valuable experience from working in a nursing home alongside people living with advanced dementia. I am now thrilled to be part of the Compassionate Communities Team, specialising in dementia nursing in collaboration with the wonderful charity Dementia UK.

Dementia nursing has always been a passion of mine, and I am deeply committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that fosters independence, equality, dignity, and sustainability for those I support.

Name: Lorna Simpson

Role: Activity Coordinator

We are thrilled to welcome Lorna Simpson as our new Barrow based Activity Coordinator, who joined us in October 2024. Lorna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with people living with dementia, along with a fresh perspective and exciting new ideas. Her approach is rooted in highly person-centred care, ensuring that each individual feels valued and supported.

Lorna’s focus is on inclusion, adventure, and shared laughter, creating an environment where everyone feels connected. She is an engaging, inspirational, and charismatic presence who effortlessly lifts spirits, helping people momentarily escape the challenges they face and enjoy a few hours of joy and camaraderie. Her positive energy and dedication puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Name: Emma Sykes

Role: Clinical Administrator

Emma joined our team in September 2024 as Clinical Administrator. She is a highly skilled, compassionate, and valued member of the dementia team, dedicated to ensuring we are well-prepared for both the present and the future.

Emma plays a key role in keeping our services running smoothly and efficiently, helping us demonstrate the positive impact we have within the community. As the first point of contact for all our service users, she offers person-centred support, guidance and effective signposting, ensuring that everyone receives the assistance they need in a timely manner.

Our day services

If you are a person living with dementia or caring for someone living with who you think would benefit from joining one of our groups, then complete the referral form found here , ask your healthcare professional or call 01229 444407.

Founded in April 2024, our Barrow group meets every Friday and offers a warm and supportive space where people can connect, share experiences, and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere.

We provide a variety of dementia-friendly, therapeutic activities that foster meaningful social connections, alleviate some symptoms associated with dementia, and enhance quality of life, confidence, and self-esteem. We also encourage co-production, inviting participants to share their skills and ideas, and offering opportunities to develop new ones. By working together, we celebrate the talents and contributions of everyone in the group.

The group was previously known as the ‘Barrow Dementia Café,’ but the attendees chose to rename it ‘Dementia Community United,’ as they felt this new name better reflects their sense of unity and identity.

Follow our Facebook page to discover our upcoming events

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

This cafe provides a safe and welcoming space for people to connect, share experiences, and socialise in a relaxed and supportive environment.

We offer a variety of dementia-friendly, therapeutic activities designed to foster meaningful social connections, ease some of the symptoms associated with dementia, and enhance quality of life, confidence, and self-esteem.

Follow our Facebook page to see what we have planned

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

Launched in October 2024, Woodland Wellness Barrow offers a range of nature-based activities combined with physical exercise, designed to appeal to people of all ages, including those living with young-onset dementia.

These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for people living with dementia and their carers to connect with nature and explore their surrounding environment. Purposeful activities like these have been shown to boost mental and physical wellbeing, foster a sense of empowerment and control, and promote meaningful social interaction.

Follow our Facebook page to see our adventures

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

Woodland Wellness Ulverston is a nature-based initiative designed to support people living with dementia and their carers through engaging outdoor activities. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Ulverston, the program combines the therapeutic benefits of nature with physical exercise, offering participants a chance to connect with the environment, build social connections, and improve overall wellbeing.

The sessions are inclusive, welcoming individuals of all ages, including those living with young onset dementia. Woodland Wellness promotes mental and physical health, boosts mood, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of empowerment and control. By encouraging participants to engage with the natural world, these sessions provide an opportunity for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation, helping to improve both mental and physical wellbeing.

We believe in the power of the outdoors to support wellbeing and foster meaningful connections in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Follow our Facebook page to see our adventures

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

Sporting Memories is a club that offers a supportive and structured environment where people living with dementia and their carers can come together to get active, share stories, and reminisce through the power of sport.

This engaging activity has been shown to reduce loneliness and social isolation while boosting mental and physical wellbeing for its members.

Follow our Facebook page to see us in action.

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

A heartfelt thank you to Active Cumbria for their invaluable support.

Our Power of Music sessions take place once a month during the Barrow Café, led by an experienced and highly talented music therapist.

Music offers profound benefits for people living with dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, maintain speech and language, support individuals at the end of life, and significantly enhance quality of life. For carers, it fosters meaningful connections and provides moments of joy and respite.

Additionally, music can stimulate memories, encourage self-expression, improve mood, and even support physical coordination through movement and rhythm.

Follow our Facebook page to see the incredible power of music in action

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryslivingwellcentre/

Dementia Unmuted: An Arts, Literature, and Music Festival

The Dementia Unmuted Festival is a groundbreaking celebration of creativity and connection, running from January 31st to February 23rd. Designed for people living with dementia, their carers, and the wider community, this festival features a rich program of art, music, literature, and interactive workshops. Events are co-created with people living with dementia, highlighting their skills, voices, and stories to inspire and educate.

The festival provides therapeutic activities that promote mental, emotional, and social wellbeing for participants. It fosters meaningful social interactions and offers opportunities for individuals to develop or rediscover skills. By involving people living with dementia in co-production, the festival amplifies their voices and celebrates their contributions, empowering participants and enhancing their sense of purpose.

The festival also plays a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about dementia. By showcasing the creativity, vitality, and talents of those living with the condition, it aims to reduce stigma and promote a more accurate understanding of dementia. Through inclusive and engaging events, the festival fosters a compassionate and supportive community, creating a space where individuals living with dementia can shine.

Join us as we celebrate the power of connection, creativity, and inclusion at the Dementia Unmuted Festival!

Open Mic Afternoon – Showcase Your Talent

Pluto Productions Presents: When and Where – A Thought-Provoking Play

Strictly St Mary’s – A Dance Celebration

Admiral Nurse Dementia Service