Peterborough care boss claims dementia diagnosis delays leaving families 'lost'
Peterborough care provider highlights impact of dementia diagnosis on families
A Peterborough at‑home care director says long waits for dementia diagnosis are leaving families “lost” and without a care plan.
Across the UK, over a third of people report being unable to care for a family member with dementia for over a month before it starts affecting their job or mental health.
Mario Renda, director of Prestige Nursing & Care in Peterborough, has offered insights into the challenges faced by families awaiting dementia diagnoses amid ongoing delays.
“Dementia is a minefield and people feel lost and they don't know who to turn to,” Mr Renda said.
"A diagnosis means that their loved ones can get the support they need, which means they can get their treatment earlier and prevent the condition from worsening. But at the same time, the loved ones get the support they need as well.
“Without a diagnosis, that means there's no care plan in place.”
Dementia should be treated 'like any other health condition'
The repercussions of delayed diagnosis have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, with healthcare services struggling to catch up, according to Mr Renda.
“Dementia needs to be treated like any other health condition,” Renda said.
“Family members are often left in distress, and we aim to support them as much as the clients themselves."
The complexities of dementia often lead to a lack of understanding among families, said Renda, highlighting the need for greater awareness and resources.
Recent research from Prestige Nursing & Care found that nearly half of those surveyed mistook signs of dementia for old age.
In addition, 37% say they couldn’t care for a loved one for more than a month before it affects their job or mental health.
Many families only manage to care for their loved ones for less than a month before experiencing strains on their mental health, relationships, and employment.
'So many people in the same boat'
Renda advocates for reaching out to professional services for assistance.
“You’re not failing your loved one; reaching out is the best thing for them and for you," he said.
"There needs to be a lot more money being pulled in into this condition in terms of research, in terms of treatment, and in terms of support for people around their loved ones.
"It's the loved ones that have got to deal with this as well; what I say to people who are experiencing this is reach out, you're not alone.
"There's so many people in the same boat as you, you're not failing your loved one for reaching out."
Renda urges families to seek professional support, emphasising that while diagnosis is vital for the patient, it provides much-needed clarity and direction for families.