Dementia

Close up of hands - a young person helping an older person walking

There are currently 850,000 people diagnosed with dementia in the United Kingdom. Every day in an acute hospital approximately 60% of inpatients will be living with dementia, delirium and/or confusion.

At the Royal Surrey, we have a skilled multidisciplinary team who aim to improve the care and experience for both patients and carers. We are working alongside Surrey County Council and other statutory and voluntary organisations to  create a dementia friendly surrey.

Top tips for caring for patients with dementia

  1. Recognise that each person with dementia is a unique individual. Adopt a person and family centred approach to care. Utilise the This is me, My care passport (Get to know them, their likes / dislikes, personal preferences and routines, life story).
  2. Take your time.
  3. Communicate effectively (verbally, non-verbally and actively listen) with the patient their family and carer.
  4. Promote the patients privacy and dignity.
  5. Respect the individuals wishes.
  6. Be aware that face value is not always what it seems.
  7. Get into their world, go with the flow and don’t argue!
  8. Put compassion back into the care you provide.
  9. Promote the individuals independence by breaking tasks down into small steps and embrace a non failure culture to rehabilitation.
  10. Use activities to alleviate boredom, promote communication, rehabilitation and prevent behaviours that can be challenging.
  11. Be aware that the individual may need extra assistance / support / time / prompting with undertaking the activities of daily living (for example eating and drinking, mobilising, toileting, communication, hygiene and dressing).
  12. Minimise distractions (if appropriate).
  13. Maintain a safe but personalised bed space.
  14. Be aware of carers’ needs ensuring that you listen to and value their input. Where appropriate utilise the carer passport for family members and signpost to voluntary/statutory services.

Dementia Action Alliance

The Royal Surrey County Hospital has committed to transforming the lives of people living with dementia and their carers by joining the Dementia Action Alliance.

For more information about the Dementia Action Alliance, click here.

This is me, my care passport

The Royal Surrey County Hospital has worked with the Alzheimer’s society and specialists in learning disabilities to develop the This is me, My care passport. This document is pivotal in providing invaluable information about a person which will enable all staff to provide care that is compassionate and person-centered.

The document can be used when caring for patients with a variety of conditions. A few examples are stroke, dementia, delirium and learning difficulties. The This is me, My care passport can be found in all ward areas, or can be accessed here.

A list of useful Alzheimer's Society contact numbers in the Guildford and Waverley area can be accessed here.

 

The dementia Forget-me-not fund

Forget Me Not flower - blue petals, yellow middle

There are approximately 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and it is estimated that 60% of all patients admitted to the acute hospital have dementia, delirium or confusion.

The prospect of staying or visiting a busy acute hospital can be a daunting, traumatic and an anxious time for not only the person with dementia but also their carers. The dementia forget-me-not fund was established in 2012 and is a trust fund within the Royal Surrey County Hospital registered charity.

The money donated to the dementia forget-me-not fund is used to buy a variety of resources including items for memory boxes and games and activities that staff and volunteers can use with patients to help pass time, stimulate and encourage conversation.

These extra resources are invaluable as they not only enhance both the patients and their carers experience during their stay in hospital but also reduce incidence of falls and occurrence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Dementia Carer Café

The Dementia Carer Café enables people to access carer support and can provide information, advice and signposting to a variety of local services. These are held at Milford and Haslemere.

Milford dates:

Tuesday 12 June (1pm - 3pm)

Tuesday 14 November (1pm - 3pm)

Haslemere:

Tuesday 11 July (1:30pm - 3:30pm)

Tuesday 10 October (1:30pm - 3:30pm)

Tuesday 12 Decemeber (1:30pm - 3:30pm)