Scaling Up Dementia Care in England

The global dementia crisis is putting a strain on healthcare systems worldwide. In England, the situation is particularly dire due to service fragmentation and a shortage of skilled workers. However, researchers have identified a promising solution: non-clinical dementia navigator models. These models have shown potential in improving care coordination and access, but more evidence is needed to understand their impact at a system level.

The number of people living with dementia in England is expected to rise significantly over the next few years. By 2030, an estimated 360,000 individuals will be eligible for dementia navigator support. To meet this demand, around 940 to 1,120 link workers will be needed. While this may seem like a daunting task, the benefits of implementing these models far outweigh the costs.

Studies have shown that dementia navigator-led care can lead to significant cost savings. In fact, even under conservative estimates, these models generate net savings. By scaling up dementia navigator care in England, the healthcare system can support a large number of people with dementia while also reducing costs. This approach offers a feasible and cost-effective way to deliver coordinated post-diagnostic dementia care at scale.

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