Many individuals with dementia are likely to express unmet needs due to poor moving and handling practices. Melanie Sturman, moving and handling strategic lead for Norfolk County Council, discusses the challenges of manual handling and how to address them
There are about 800,000 people diagnosed with dementia-related illnesses in the UK and this figure is predicted to rise to 1,700,000 by 2051.1 According to the Department of Health, 80 per cent of people with dementiarelated illnesses are living in residential and nursing homes.2
There are more than 70 different types of dementia3and although many have similar symptoms, some have specific characteristics. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, challenging behaviour, mobility loss, communication loss and a reduced ability to manage activities associated with daily living.
In a care home, identifying reasons for challenging behaviour can require support. About 28 per cent of people with dementia display aggressive behaviour4and the possibility of physical aggression significantly reduces the likelihood of finding care home placements for those with the condition.5 In fact, aggressive or hostile behaviour is considered to be the most the most difficult behaviour to manage.6
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