What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with a cognitive impairment, some of which include difficulties with communication, memory, and logical thinking.
Dementia is not age specific, but our risk increases as we age. In those under the age of 65, it is recognised as an early onset of dementia, 65 and over, as a late onset. The greatest barrier to research, support, treatments, and possible cures for dementia is the perceived stigma. However, early diagnosis means better support and treatments. So, if you feel yourself or a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, please discuss it with your GP and seek their medical advice.
What we are doing in our hospital to help patients living with dementia
Understanding that the hospital environment can be a strange and frightening place, they provide therapeutic care and activities to help promote stimulation. This can be by talking and listening, encouraging reminiscence, and becoming a regular friendly face during their stay.
They also have a RITA Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities system to provide interactive and immersive digital therapy through:
- Fun and simple games / music – most genres, relaxation, sing-along, and karaoke
- Quizzes / armchair exercises
- Popular TV clips and movies / 360 images
Our associate practitioners also provide bespoke training to our staff 'Caring for patients living with dementia in a hospital setting', which has proved to be very successful, empowering staff to provide person-centred care specific to their needs with confidence.
Beverley and Charlotte are on hand (during their working hours) via a bleep system should a patient living with dementia need urgent assistance to help dealing with the hospital environment. Also, they will signpost relatives / carers to additional services for support in the community. They are also involved in meetings which monitor trends and update on good practice.
Blankets and twiddle muffs
You may see some of our patients have a handmade blanket with them. Every blanket is individual to ensure that they can be recognised, and these go home with the patient when they are discharged. We are extremely grateful to our local community for their continuous support in knitting and crocheting these for us. Twiddle muffs are also handmade and have multiple attachments for the patient to fiddle with and keep their hands occupied. Again, they go home with the patient.
Potting shed
We received a generous donation of a potting shed in 2020 which is located on the patio area on Colwell ward. During the warmer months, we encourage patients living with dementia, to take a break from the ward environment, put on their gardening gloves and pot some fruit and vegetable seeds. This familiar activity is a chance for them to get a breath of fresh air, stretch their legs, and talk to likeminded patients. There are also wooden benches in this area should they want to sit and have a drink.
Nutrition and hydration
We recognise that people living with dementia need more flexibility for accessing suitable food and on in the Appley / Colwell ward kitchen there is a fridge for dementia friendly food. This fridge is available to all patients (living with dementia) irrespective of which ward they are on. The food is specifically selected to promote easy nutrition i.e., small portion finger food / brightly coloured and easy chew with minimal packaging.
