Rehabilitation in Dementia: A Forgotten Opportunity? with Carlo Romero, UK

Episode Summary: In this episode, I am joined by Carlo Romero, a medical professional from a rehabilitation facility in the UK. Together, we explore what rehabilitation means in the context of dementia—how it helps individuals maintain their independence and well-being.

 

We discuss the challenges people living with dementia and their caregivers face when accessing rehabilitation and, most importantly, how these challenges can be addressed to improve their quality of life.

 

Key topics include:
1. What sparked Carlo’s interest in dementia rehabilitation
2. The role and benefits of rehabilitation in dementia care
3. Challenges in providing rehabilitation, especially for those with severe communication difficulties
4. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in dementia rehabilitation
Real-world examples of successful rehabilitation strategies
5. Key improvements needed in healthcare and social care services

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Rehabilitation supports independence – Even in dementia, rehabilitation can help maintain functional abilities and improve well-being.
2. Communication challenges impact rehabilitation – People with dementia who struggle with speech often miss out on vital rehabilitation, highlighting the need for alternative approaches.
3. Multidisciplinary teamwork is crucial – Collaboration between healthcare and social care professionals can enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
4. Dementia rehabilitation needs improvement – Better training, resources, and awareness can help make rehabilitation more accessible and effective.

 

Resources Mentioned

World Health Organization 

Dementia UK

Dementia Friends

What I Wish People Knew about Dementia - Wendy Mitchell

Somebody I Used to Know - Wendy Mitchell

Tune in to gain insights into dementia rehabilitation and how we can better support individuals living with dementia.