no.302 • £4.75 incorporating
March 2022
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Studies aim to improve sleep for sufferers TWO new research programmes are helping find new ways to support people with dementia who experience problems with sleep. The TaIlored ManagEment of Sleep (TIMES) study led by the University of Exeter will develop a tool to help people with dementia and other memory problems, by producing care plans that are tailored to individual needs. Funded with £2.4million from the National Institute for Health Research, the team combines expertise from the universities of Oxford, Hull and Leicester, working with University College London, Aston University, and the University of East Anglia, alongside Innovations in Dementia. Study lead Professor Chris Fox, from the University of Exeter, said: “Sleep disturbance can have a major impact on daily living for people living with dementia or memory problems, and can make it difficult for carers to cope. 'Many different factors can upset sleep, so help needs to be tailored to individuals. “Medicines help some people, but sleep medicines used longterm can be harmful or stop working. Our study will help people find the best approach for them.” The NightCAP study is testing a training programme for care staff to provide them with skills and strategies for improving night-time
care. The study is funded through a £400,000 award from Alzheimer’s Society, and is a collaboration with King’s College London, the University of East Anglia and the Aston University. Study lead Dr Anne Corbett, of the University of Exeter, said: “We know there’s an urgent need to support care staff and help them to use practical, effective ways of caring for their residents who are up in the night. “Night shifts in care homes are often understaffed and we know that there is very little training provided for staff working these hours. “There is also a need to increase awareness amongst staff and GPs about the importance of reviewing hypnotic drug prescriptions and only using them in people who really need them. “We’re now looking for care homes to join us, to put our NightCAP staff training programme to the test so we can establish what really works to improve night times for staff and for residents.” Dr Ian Maidment, reader in clinical pharmacy at Aston University and a member of both study teams, said: “We need to find ways to manage sleep problems without medication, which can cause many problems including confusion, falls and broken bones, and symptoms of dementia.”
Residents and staff at a Dorset dementia care home turned the clock back to ancient Egypt with a colourful day of costumes, hieroglyphics and history. Team members at Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole donned Egyptian-style robes edged in gold card with one, clinical lead Nimpha Salmon, even touring the home dressed as a mummy. The day was the culmination of a season of themed activities including craft sessions focused on making and decorating bookmarks with characters from Egypt’s ancient writing system. The fun was led by companionship team leader Sue Miles, who has studied Egyptology and visited the country five times, including making a two-day road trip up and down the banks of the Nile.
Awards nominations now open OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards. Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry. And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every
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