Local partnerships should determine the projects that will make up the application. It is expected that applications will reflect the outcomes and priorities identified in the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge (2012), the National Dementia Strategy (2009), and Quality outcomes for people with dementia (2010). as being important in improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers/families.

The following summarises established priorities but should not be seen as an exhaustive list of areas of interest for applications.

Dementia Friendly Communities

To create dementia friendly communities and local Dementia Action Alliances involving local businesses, charities, independent, voluntary and community services, and independent providers as well as the statutory sector.

Improving diagnosis

Early diagnosis, and an improved diagnosis and post-diagnosis pathway underpin the delivery of effective dementia services.

Hospital care

The new national dementia CQUIN is about identifying patients with possible dementia so that they can be assessed, and their care in hospital can be tailored to meet their needs.

Community based care

Improved support to people that enables them to live full lives in their own home through self care and support for carers. This will include projects to avoid hospital admission where appropriate, and promote re-ablement in the community following timely discharge from hospital.

End of Life Care

This has been a key theme of the work on the National Dementia Strategy and there is scope for innovative local projects on improved end of life care for people with dementia.

Reducing inappropriate antipsychotic prescribing

Developing new ideas to build on the work of the Call to Action in order to maintain the progress made in establishing alternatives to medication for people with dementia who are presenting with behaviours that challenge.

Carers

Improving carers’ education, support, and access to flexible respite; and there is potential to build on the High Impact Innovation that PCTs are developing CQUINs for in 2012-13.

Other considerations

All proposals need to demonstrate that they will contribute to the SHA’s ‘green agenda’. Innovations which reduce waste and increase efficiency will be welcomed.

Proposals should enhance equality and reflect responsiveness to the diversity found within the populations we serve.

Opportunities for collaboration, sharing intelligence and working across sectors (especially health, social care and the voluntary and community sector) are encouraged.