CQC: dementia care We are committed to providing outstanding care for our patients with dementia and support for their loved ones. Dementia Action Week is this month (17-23 May) and at PAHT we will be marking the occasion with a Dementia Friends information session on Wednesday, 19 May from 2pm- and drink. 2.45pm. Our ‘Singing for the brain’ music therapy sessions have Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme continued virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of importance of connecting dementia. It aims to transform with people with dementia the way the nation thinks, acts through music and providing support to their families during and talks about the condition. the pandemic is extremely We are encouraging as many important. If you know of a of you as possible to join the patient who may benefit from session and email Caroline participating, please contact Ashton-Gough, dementia Caroline. clinical nurse specialist, to confirm you have completed It is essential that people it. Additionally, Caroline is living with dementia in the purchasing items to put hospital setting are supported together activity boxes for each to maintain social relationships ward, funded via our charity as and their communication part of the week. needs are understood.
would be interested in joining the Dementia and Delirium Steering Group. Additionally, please get in touch if you are a current dementia and delirium champion, with your updated place of work and contact details, so that Caroline can contact you about a forthcoming study day. A range of training is also available to support your learning, from the core content in the PAHT training booklet to simulations of delirium and dementia to enhance your understanding. There are two additional support networks to be aware of:
y The Carers First carers support group meets twice Patient centred care is vital. We are also working with monthly on a Monday An important tool is the St Clare’s Hospice on the evening. If you are a carer, ‘This is me’ booklet from the Namaste Care programme or recognise a carer/family Alzheimer’s Society, which for people with advanced member who may benefit facilitates our people and dementia. This respectful from peer support, please carers to record important and supportive approach contact jayne.moscow@nhs. information about our patients’ to care for those living with net advanced dementia integrates routines, preferences, likes y The Harlow Dementia Action and dislikes. We are aiming compassionate nursing and Alliance: Dementia Friendly for 75% of all patients living person-centred care with virtual coffee morning takes with dementia to have a individualised, therapeutic place on Fridays at 10:30am, completed ‘This is me’ booklet activities in a group setting or Please follow the link above on a 1-1 basis. These activities to support their wellbeing and for more details. the booklets can be ordered on include sensory stimulation of For more information, please the five senses (touch, hearing, EROS. contact Caroline Ashtonsight, smell and taste) using Caroline would also like to Gough, dementia clinical multisensory techniques such hear from you if you have a nurse specialist, at caroline. as music, therapeutic touch, passion for improving the lives ashton5@nhs.net. massage, aromatherapy, food of people with dementia and 10
