The UK Dementia and Palliative Care Conference 2026 - Rowcroft Hospice

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 patients

Connect with Professor Wilco Achterberg 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

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 LinkedIn

UCL 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 UK

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

Opening Remarks: Mark Hawkins, Rowcroft Hospice’s Chief Executive: Welcome to the UK Dementia & Palliative Care Conference 2025

Mark 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 LinkedIn

Rowcroft Hospice

This 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