The UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025 - Rowcroft Hospice

Rowcroft Hospice

This podcast features the keynote speakers from  "The UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025" which is organised by Rowcroft Hospice.  The series explores the critical role of dementia and palliative care in supporting those living with dementia. Across these episodes, we’ll be sharing expert insights, real-life experiences, and innovative approaches to improving care All episodes were recorded live at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre in Devon on Tuesday 25th March 2025. This podcast was recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

  1. 08/27/2025

    The Future of Dementia & Palliative Care: Panel Discussion with Dr Jill Horne

    In this closing panel discussion, “The Future of Dementia and Palliative Care" Dr. Jill Horne chairs a conversation with leading experts Dr. Sarah Russell, Prof. Liz Sampson, Dr. Wilco Achterberg, and Prof. Kevin Brazil. Listen as the panel tackle thought-provoking audience questions, from their personal heroes in dementia and palliative care and the necessary funding shifts, to redefining the hospice’s role and developing new quality indicators for end-of-life dementia care. Explore the importance of holistic and person-centred approaches, the challenges of integrating health and social care, and the critical need for accessible resources and knowledge-sharing across the sector. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, carer, researcher, or passionate advocate, this episode offers expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies for improving dementia and palliative care in the UK and beyond. Key topics covered: - Recognising heroes and pioneers in dementia and palliative care - The case for integrated funding and breaking down silos - The importance of holistic, person-centred care models - The evolving role of hospices in supporting dementia patients - Future quality indicators for end-of-life care - Bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy through storytelling   Featured speakers: - Dr. Sarah Russell - Prof. Liz Sampson - Dr. Wilco Achterberg - Prof. Kevin Brazil Listen now for valuable insights and practical guidance to drive change in dementia and palliative care. This podcast is free to listen - but the care behind it isn’t. Rowcroft Hospice is a registered charity, and much of our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. We provide outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon—through our inpatient and outpatient services, as well as vital care at home. We’re also planning to expand our impact even further, with a pioneering 60-bed dementia and complex nursing care home at our site in Torquay, designed to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. If you’ve found value in this podcast and would like to support our work, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/donate thank you. This podcast series is recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

    23 min
  2. 06/25/2025

    Navigating Grief and Dementia: Tracey Carter on Supporting Bereavement and Loss

    Tracey Carter, Head of Dementia Care & Wellbeing at Hallmark Care Homes, guides us through the sensitive and often misunderstood experience of bereavement and loss in people living with dementia.  Dementia can profoundly alter how grief is felt and expressed, making traditional approaches to support insufficient.  Tracey shares current research insights, practical strategies, and a compassionate blended approach to help caregivers respond with patience, empathy, and consistency.  Listen now to learn how understanding grief in dementia can reduce distress, strengthen care relationships, and promote dignity and wellbeing during some of life’s most difficult moments. Connect with Tracey Carter on LinkedIn This podcast is free to listen - but the care behind it isn’t. Rowcroft Hospice is a registered charity, and much of our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. We provide outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon—through our inpatient and outpatient services, as well as vital care at home. We’re also planning to expand our impact even further, with a pioneering 60-bed dementia and complex nursing care home at our site in Torquay, designed to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. If you’ve found value in this podcast and would like to support our work, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/donate thank you. This podcast series is recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

    25 min
  3. 06/23/2025

    Supporting Family Carers with Rachel Johnstone from Dementia UK

    In this episode, Rachel Johnstone from Dementia UK sheds light on how we can better support family carers of people living with dementia.  Caring for a loved one with dementia brings unique emotional and practical challenges - from coping with anticipatory grief to navigating complex care systems and looking after one’s own wellbeing.  Rachel explores these realities, introduces helpful concepts like ‘Safe Uncertainty,’ and shares resources and reflective practices that empower carers to provide the best possible care while caring for themselves.  Tune in for insights, guidance, and practical support for family carers everywhere. Connect with Rachel Johnstone on LinkedIn This podcast is free to listen - but the care behind it isn’t. Rowcroft Hospice is a registered charity, and much of our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. We provide outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon—through our inpatient and outpatient services, as well as vital care at home. We’re also planning to expand our impact even further, with a pioneering 60-bed dementia and complex nursing care home at our site in Torquay, designed to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. If you’ve found value in this podcast and would like to support our work, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/donate thank you. This podcast series is recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

    12 min
  4. 06/23/2025

    Health Technologies to Support People with Dementia

    Dr. Rory Baxter and Leonie Cooper discuss digital health technologies for dementia, highlighting the benefits of robot pets and introducing the GOALD project, which co-creates digital tools for physical activity and reminiscence. The episode emphasises the crucial role of co-design in technology development for older adults and showcases the GOALD toolkit for developers. It also touches on the ICONIC project's efforts to combat digital exclusion through intergenerational co-design, exploring how these technologies can enhance the quality of life and foster social connections for individuals with dementia. Connect with Dr Rory Baxter on LinkedIn Connect with Leonie Cooper on LinkedIn This podcast is free to listen - but the care behind it isn’t. Rowcroft Hospice is a registered charity, and much of our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. We provide outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon—through our inpatient and outpatient services, as well as vital care at home. We’re also planning to expand our impact even further, with a pioneering 60-bed dementia and complex nursing care home at our site in Torquay, designed to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. If you’ve found value in this podcast and would like to support our work, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/donate thank you. This podcast series is recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

    11 min
  5. 06/20/2025

    The Duality of Caregiving: A Nurse’s Journey Through Personal Loss and Professional Duty: Dr Sarah Russell

    This episode is an emotion and moving account of Sarah's experience of caring for her mother. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses terminal illness, caregiving, and the death of a loved one.  Dr. Sarah Russell, Consultant Nurse and Trust Lead for Palliative and End of Life Care at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, explores the complex duality of caring.   Drawing on 16 years of direct caregiving experience for a loved one, Sarah provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals who also become family caregivers.  She discusses the different hats family carers wear, such as supervisor, advocate, carer, and informed bystander, and how these roles require distinct supportive input.  This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the personal and professional worlds of caregiving, highlighting the need for better support and recognition for these invisible second patients. Connect with Dr Sarah Russell on LinkedIn This podcast is free to listen - but the care behind it isn’t. Rowcroft Hospice is a registered charity, and much of our work is made possible thanks to the generosity of local supporters. We provide outstanding care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South Devon—through our inpatient and outpatient services, as well as vital care at home. We’re also planning to expand our impact even further, with a pioneering 60-bed dementia and complex nursing care home at our site in Torquay, designed to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. If you’ve found value in this podcast and would like to support our work, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/donate thank you. This podcast series is recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator

    30 min

About

This podcast features the keynote speakers from  "The UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025" which is organised by Rowcroft Hospice.  The series explores the critical role of dementia and palliative care in supporting those living with dementia. Across these episodes, we’ll be sharing expert insights, real-life experiences, and innovative approaches to improving care All episodes were recorded live at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre in Devon on Tuesday 25th March 2025. This podcast was recorded and produced by Steve Hindley at iNarrator