New Kent and Medway pilot helps care homes spot dementia earlier
Date added: 30 January 2026
Last updated: 30 January 2026
Health and care partners in Kent and Medway have launched a pilot programme to train care home staff to recognise signs of dementia, helping residents access timely assessments, diagnosis, and joined-up care.
Staff in East Kent care homes are learning to spot advanced signs of dementia, record observations clearly, and escalate concerns promptly. The programme is part of the Kent and Medway Dementia Transformation Programme and responds to feedback from residents, families, and people with lived experience who highlighted delays in diagnosis and uncertainty about where to get help.
Daniela Birgauanu, Compliance Lead for Opus Care Limited involved in the pilot said: “We really welcome this programme. It has given our team greater confidence in recognising early and advance signs of dementia and knowing how to act. It also helps us work more closely with GPs and specialist teams, so residents get the support they need quickly and consistently.”
The training, delivered by Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, introduces practical tools such as the Diagnosing Advanced Dementia Mandate (DiADeM) and the 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT). Staff use these tools to track changes, document observations consistently, and work confidently with GPs and specialist teams. Embedding these improvements in care homes ensures they are part of a joined-up dementia pathway across primary care, mental health services, and community support.
Mark Kitchingham, Nurse Consultant in Older Adults for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS trust, said: “This training gives staff practical, step-by-step tools they can use every day. It helps them recognise symptoms earlier, document what they see, and work confidently with GPs and other clinicians to support timely diagnosis.”
The pilot is already helping reduce delays and build consistent practice. Across Kent and Medway, waiting times for dementia diagnosis have fallen from around 28 weeks to under 13 weeks, with many teams now assessing patients within 6 weeks.
Adrian Richardson, Director of Transformation and Partnerships for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “This pilot builds on our progress, supporting more consistent access to diagnosis and care, and ensuring residents receive the help they need at the right time.”
Dr Rakesh Koria, Clinical Lead for Ageing and Dying Well at NHS Kent and Medway ICB, added: “Every time a person with dementia goes into hospital, their stay is often around 10 days longer than someone without the condition. With the right diagnosis and community support in place, many of these admissions and the distress they bring can be avoided. What care home staff are doing through this training makes a real difference; it’s about early recognition, early help, and dignity for our residents.”
Next steps:
The programme will expand in early 2026 to additional East Kent care homes. From Spring 2026, Phase 3 will roll out across all Health Care Partnership areas, supported by webinars, resource packs, and drop-in sessions. This phased approach ensures consistent practice and a sustainable dementia diagnosis pathway across the system.
