Digital messaging screens 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 2pm2.45pm. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. We are encouraging as many of you as possible to join the session and email Caroline Ashton-Gough, dementia clinical nurse specialist, to confirm you have completed it. Additionally, Caroline is purchasing items to put together activity boxes for each ward, funded via our charity as part of the week. We are also working with St Clare’s Hospice on the Namaste Care programme for people with advanced dementia. This respectful and supportive approach to care for those living with advanced dementia integrates compassionate nursing and person-centred care with individualised, therapeutic activities in a group setting or on a 1-1 basis. These activities include sensory stimulation of the five senses (touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste) using multisensory techniques such as music, therapeutic touch, massage, aromatherapy, food and drink.

Our ‘Singing for the brain’ music therapy sessions have continued virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of connecting with people with dementia through music and providing support to their families during the pandemic is extremely important. If you know of a patient who may benefit from participating, please contact Caroline.

It is essential that people living with dementia in the hospital setting are supported to maintain social relationships and their communication needs are understood. Patient centred care is vital. An important tool is the ‘This is me’ booklet from the Alzheimer’s Society, which facilitates our people and carers to record important information about our patients’ routines, preferences, likes and dislikes. We are aiming for 75% of all patients living with dementia to have a completed ‘This is me’ booklet to support their wellbeing and the booklets can be ordered on EROS.

Caroline would also like to hear from you if you have a passion for improving the lives of people with dementia and 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 monthly on a Monday evening. If you are a carer, or recognise a carer/family member who may benefit from peer support, please contact jayne.moscow@nhs. net y The Harlow Dementia Action

Alliance: Dementia Friendly virtual coffee morning takes place on Fridays at 10:30am,

Please follow the link above for more details. For more information, please contact Caroline AshtonGough, dementia clinical nurse specialist, at caroline. ashton5@nhs.net.