The UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025 - Rowcroft Hospice

From a chance conversation to an award-winning model of palliative dementia careIn this episode, the development of an innovative Dementia Palliative Care Service in Derbyshire is explored, addressing gaps in end-of-life support for people living with dementia.Through collaboration across health, social care, and voluntary sectors, the service demonstrated strong impact and gained national recognition.Now informing a gold-standard NHS England model, this session highlights how local innovation can shape the future of dementia palliative care on a national scale.https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-del-toro-66433114a/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

Professor Catherine Walshe explores the complexities of delivering high-quality palliative care for people with advanced dementia.Combining an overview of current research with interactive discussion, the session highlights the challenges faced by both dementia care specialists and palliative care professionals.It offers valuable insight into how different perspectives can be better aligned to improve care for those living with advanced dementia.https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-walshe-60567b71/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

In this interactive session, Isobel Jones introduced a 13-piece empathy suit designed to simulate the physical and sensory challenges of living with dementia.By experiencing everyday tasks with restricted movement, vision, and hearing, participants gained first-hand insight into the realities of dementia.The session highlighted the importance of empathy in care, encouraging a more compassionate and person-centred approach to supporting those living with the condition.https://www.linkedin.com/in/isobel-jones-145b662a/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

In this session, the complexities of advance care planning in dementia are explored, with a focus on meaningful communication and person-centred care.Drawing on guidance from the European Association for Palliative Care, the discussion highlights the importance of involving families, adapting conversations to individual capacity, and viewing advance care planning as an ongoing process rather than a one-off decision.The session also outlines practical approaches and tools to support earlier, more inclusive conversations, helping ensure care reflects what matters most to the person living with dementia.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-van-der-steen-van-kampen-0b645958/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

In this episode, the challenges surrounding eating, drinking, and swallowing in dementia are explored, alongside the impact on health and quality of life.The discussion highlights the balance between clinical recommendations and individual preferences, emphasising the importance of autonomy and the right to make personal choices.Focusing on positive risk-taking, the session encourages a person-centred approach that respects dignity while supporting wellbeing.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anna-volkmer-655916a3/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-smith-080318120/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

In this episode, Ian Sherriff explores the growing global and local impact of dementia, highlighting key statistics, future projections, and the increasing pressures on health and care systems.With cases rising rapidly and costs expected to escalate significantly, the session examines challenges including inequalities in care, delayed hospital discharges, and the burden placed on families and carers.It also looks ahead to emerging innovations in diagnosis and treatment, including AI, blood testing, and new drug trials, offering hope for earlier detection and improved quality of life for those living with dementia.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

In this session Dr Jeremy Isaacs, National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health at NHS England, explores the current state of dementia care.With over 500,000 people diagnosed in England, a number set to rise, the NHS has made strong progress in diagnosis, awareness, and dementia-friendly services. However, challenges remain, including increasing waiting times, variation in diagnostic quality, and limited post-diagnostic support.This session highlights the need for better integration, workforce development, and targeted investment, alongside the opportunity to improve care through the Frailty & Dementia Modern Service Framework.Connect with Dr Jeremy Isaacs on LinkedInThis 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

Living with Dementia: Paula’s and Guy’s StoryIn this moving opening to the UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2026, Paula Bradley-Smith shares her deeply personal story of caring for her husband, Guy Bradley-Smith. Guy, a doctor, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2021 and previously opened this conference two years ago, offering his own unique perspective on living with the condition.Paula reflects on their 41 years of marriage and the journey they have faced together since Guy’s diagnosis - from his hospital admission this time last year to his move into a nursing home in September. Speaking with honesty and compassion, she offers a powerful insight into the realities of loving and caring for someone with dementia.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

Welcome to the Dementia and Palliative Care Conference podcast 2026, brought to you by Rowcroft Hospice. Across this series, you’ll hear powerful conversations from experts at the forefront of dementia research, policy, and frontline practice. From national perspectives with NHS England’s Dr Jeremy Isaacs, to international insights from Dr Jenny van der Steen, and regional innovation led by Ian Sherriff in Devon, this conference brings together a truly diverse range of expertise.We also hear directly from people living with dementia, alongside practitioners and researchers exploring vital topics like advance care planning, empathy in care, supporting care teams, nutrition and choice at the end of life, and groundbreaking models of palliative dementia care.Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply passionate about improving experiences for people living with dementia, this series offers practical insights, fresh thinking, and real human stories.Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoy the series.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

The first episodes will follow on Monday 30th March 2026If you weren’t able to join us at The 2026 UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference, you can now experience the whole event through our podcast series.Across this series, you’ll hear powerful conversations from experts at the forefront of dementia research, policy, and frontline practice. From national perspectives with NHS England’s Dr Jeremy Isaacs, to international insights from Dr Jenny van der Steen, and regional innovation led by Ian Sherriff in Devon, this conference brings together a truly diverse range of expertise.We also hear directly from people living with dementia, alongside practitioners and researchers exploring vital topics like advance care planning, empathy in care, supporting care teams, nutrition and choice at the end of life, and groundbreaking models of palliative dementia care.Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply passionate about improving experiences for people living with dementia, this series offers practical insights, fresh thinking, and real human stories.We hope you enjoy the series.The first episodes will follow on Monday 30th March 2026This 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

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 BrazilListen 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

Hannah Gardner a Consultant Admiral Nurse for Children and Young People at Dementia UK discusses a crucial but often overlooked aspect of dementia care, its impact on children and young people.Hannah sheds light on the unique challenges faced by these young individuals and how we can better support them through grief and loss.And emphasises that a diagnosis of dementia is not just given to one person - it is given to a spouse, a partner, a child and the extended family. She will discuss what support children and young people living in families facing dementia need.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

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 LinkedInThis 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

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 LinkedInThis 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

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 LinkedInConnect with Leonie Cooper on LinkedInThis 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

Professor Karen Watchman highlights the unique challenges of dementia in individuals with learning disabilities, focusing on differences in cognitive ability progression, seizure onset (especially in Down's syndrome), and communication of pain. She emphasises personalised support, relationship nurturing, and the role of caregivers. The episode showcases resources like Jenny's Diary and Andrew's Cards, and introduces specialised online training for professionals, aiming to enhance the quality of life for this population. Connect with Professor Karen Watchman on LinkedInThis 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

Nicola Jacobson-Wright and Faith Frost present on Namaste Care, a sensory-based programme for advanced dementia. Their research shows it significantly reduces agitation and improves quality of life in care home residents. The episode highlights the programme's key elements, positive impacts on residents and staff, and also introduces an online course developed to educate and support staff in delivering Namaste Care, aiming to improve the quality of life for people living with advanced dementia.Connect with Nicola Jacobson Wright on LinkedInConnect with Faith Frost on LinkedInThis 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

Prof Kevin Brazil discusses how families can be better supported in making crucial end-of-life care decisions for loved ones with advanced dementia. In this episode, Kevin will introduce the Family Carer Decision Support Intervention - a structured approach that combines practical tools, compassionate communication, and evidence-based guidance. Join us as we unpack how this intervention empowers family carers, improves care planning in nursing homes, and shapes the future of dementia care.Connect with Prof. Kevin Brazil on LinkedInThis 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

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 LinkedInThis 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

In this powerful episode, Dr. Zena Aldridge explores one of the most overlooked yet impactful aspects of dementia care: promoting continence and managing incontinence with dignity. Drawing on the latest evidence and her experience as a leading dementia nurse consultant, she shares practical strategies, challenges stigma, and calls for a shift in how health and care professionals support those living with dementia. Connect with Dr Zena Aldridge on LinkedInThis 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

Join Professor Wilco Achterberg from Leiden University Medical Center as he explores the complex challenges of identifying and treating pain in people with dementia. In this illuminating episode, Prof. Achterberg breaks down how the aging brain processes pain differently, especially in those with cognitive impairment, and why traditional pain assessment methods often fail these vulnerable patientsConnect with Professor Wilco Achterberg on LinkedInThis 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

Join Professor Liz Sampson from Queen Mary University London as she reveals groundbreaking insights from the EMBED-Care programme, showcasing how big data is revolutionising palliative care for people with dementia.In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sampson challenges common misconceptions about dementia care while presenting powerful evidence on healthcare utilisation patterns, cost implications, and the concerning rise in emergency hospital admissions among dementia patients in their final year of life. She explores how data analysis has uncovered critical unmet clinical needs and demonstrates innovative assessment tools that function as interventions themselves.Connect with Liz Sampson on LinkedInUCL Profile 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

In this moving opening to the UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2025, Fred Caygill, ambassador for Dementia UK, shares his powerful personal story of caring for his late wife, who lived with vascular dementia. Fred speaks candidly about the emotional challenges of caregiving and the life-changing support he received from Admiral Nurses. His words are a heartfelt reminder that those caring for loved ones with dementia are living with it too - and that with the right support, no one has to face it alone.Dementia UKThis 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

Opening Remarks: Mark Hawkins, Rowcroft Hospice’s Chief Executive: Welcome to the UK Dementia & Palliative Care Conference 2025Mark Hawkins sets the stage for the UK Dementia & Palliative Care Conference 2025. Reflecting on the challenges, progress, and shared mission within the field, Mark welcomes delegates to a day of collaboration, learning, and innovation focused on improving care for people living with dementia. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, compassion, and community in shaping the future of dementia and palliative care.Connect with Mark Hawkins on LinkedInRowcroft HospiceThis 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.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