What is an Admiral Nurse and how can they help?
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses. Continually supported and developed by Dementia UK, they provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease.
Our nurses are here when people need help. They have the time to listen and the knowledge to solve problems.
As dementia specialists, Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs, considering the person living with dementia and the people around them. When people are struggling, our nurses help them take back control. When friends and family are worried about a loved one, they give them the confidence to manage their future with dementia.
Admiral Nurses help people living with dementia stay independent for longer – and support the people caring for them so that they will have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days.
Admiral Nurses work in local community services, GP practices and NHS hospitals, care homes, and hospices. They also run our Dementia Helpline and Clinic appointments.
Read and download more information about what Admiral Nurses here.
Why Admiral Nursing?
Admiral Nurses were named by the family of Joseph Levy CBE BEM, who founded the charity. Joseph had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as “Admiral Joe” because of his love of sailing.
How can an Admiral Nurse help me?
- If communication gets hard, we’re on hand with skills and techniques to help you stay connected to the person you love
- If someone with dementia is showing signs of fear or distress, we’ll work with you to find the best ways of preventing or managing this
- If you want some advice on the financial benefits that you may be able to claim, we can talk this through with you and provide details of services and organisations that can support you
- If your family is struggling to cope, we’ll be there to help you get your loved one the best possible additional care and support
- If you have questions you can’t get answered we’ll take the time to really understand the problem, and give you the expert support you need to tackle it
How an Admiral Nurse has supported a person living with dementia
We follow Admiral Nurse, Matthew, as he visits two families living with dementia in Wakefield.
Dementia affects many more people than just the person living with the diagnosis. Family or friends often become part- or full-time carers – and they need support too, so they can provide the best care for their loved one, and also look after their own mental and physical health.
Admiral Nurses like Matthew can be a lifeline for families affected by dementia.
Read more stories of how Admiral Nurses have supported people living with dementia here.
To find out if there is an Admiral Nurse service that you can access in your area, call our Helpline.
How we can support you
Whether you have a question that needs an immediate answer or need emotional support when life feels overwhelming, these are the ways our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses can support you
Get supportTogether Again animation
We know that dementia can be a frightening and lonely place. And dementia doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis – spouses or partners, and surrounding family and friends are all impacted too.
Our animation, Together Again, explores those feelings of being lost in dementia – and how the support of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse can help bring people back together again
Watch nowWhy Admiral?
The family of Joseph Levy CBE BEM – who founded Dementia UK – named the nurses. Joseph had vascular dementia and was known affectionately as ‘Admiral Joe’ because of his love of sailing.
Read our leaflet about Admiral Nurses here.