Resources

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and poses significant challenges to an individual’s quality of life (QoL). As the global prevalence of dementia continues to rise, understanding and enhancing QoL for people living with dementia becomes even more 
important. This article explores the concept of QoL in the context of dementia, its application in community nursing practice, and the pivotal role nurses can play in improving QoL. An overview of the challenges, considerations, and evidence-based strategies to improve QoL are explored. Through person-centred care, education and advocacy, community nurses can make a significant difference in supporting the wellbeing and dignity of people living with dementia.

This article explores the research behind diverticular disease and its dietary management, with a focus on dietary fibre. Diverticula, sac- like protrusions in the colonic wall, are extremely prevalent in older people living in Western countries and range from asymptomatic (diverticulosis) to moderately symptomatic (diverticular disease) to severely symptomatic (diverticulitis). Diet and lifestyle are implicated in the development of these conditions, as demonstrated by the vast increase in prevalence as countries become more industrialised and follow a Western dietary pattern. Dietary fibre is a particular nutrient of interest. Contrary to prior dogma, research suggests that individuals with diverticular disease should actually strive for a high fibre diet to reduce the risk of developing further diverticula and prevent progression to diverticulitis. The dietary management of the symptoms of diverticular disease is not well understood. Vigorous physical activity may reduce the risk of diverticulitis. Community nurses can help their patients to avoid harmful and unnecessary dietary restrictions by using the information in this article.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age and can lead to poorer outcomes for individuals and create greater demands on healthcare services. The NHS Long Term Plan (2019a) highlighted the need for more complex care to be provided in patients’ homes and, with recognition of a decreasing community workforce, new ways of working and upskilling the workforce are required to provide integrated, person-centred care. Blended roles programmes focus on a commitment to develop education and competencies to build effective relationships and collaboration between independent care workers to provide individualised person-centred care.