Carers have revealed how they help make life bearable for those living with dementia.

It comes as a national survey by Marie Curie revealed health care professionals have insufficient training on palliative care for terminally ill patients and those suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer's.

Five thousand workers were interviewed and almost 40% said they lack staff who can deliver this type of care.

Katie Antill, Alzheimer’s Society services manager for Maidstone and Rural Communities, said: “Shamefully, palliative care has been overlooked for too long.

"Too often those at the end of life are being let down by a system that does not meet their needs.

"Dementia is the most common cause of death in women and many people living with the condition spend their final days in unfamiliar hospital surroundings rather than in their own home with loved ones.

"The system must change. Training must be seen as a necessity, not an optional extra.”

Mark Craig is joint owner of Home Instead Senior Care in East Peckam, a private care service, sending carers to people's homes.

He agrees palliative care is important but said there is no one-size-fits-all training because all patients are different.

“Our ethos is to treat everyone as an individual. We have to understand that person, and understand what makes them happy and what makes them sad,” he said.

Mr Craig added while there is no cure for Dementia, there is evidence companionship is beneficial for patients.

Jane Hillman, a caregiver for Home Instead Senior Care, said a typical carer's day includes personal care, cooking, washing and shopping.

“We try to involve people in housework so that they don’t feel they are useless.”

She added looking after patients can be challenging because some experience hallucinations.

“It’s important not to remind them of their deceased relatives. One client called out to me ‘mum mum’ and I just say ‘I’m here’”, said Ms Hillman.

Mr Craig added: “You don’t want to put the focus on them that they have dementia. You turning up to their home can remind them they have an issue."

He said recruitment is challenging because people do not have a positive view of the industry.

“Carers are seen to have poor education, paid minimum wage, not able to do other things and lack aspiration."