Dementia

We recognise that hospital can be an unsettling environment for many people. This is often more difficult for people living with dementia. We want you and your relatives/carers to be treated with compassion, dignity, respect and understanding. Our aim is to promote the independence of people living with dementia and ensure you have full involvement in your care and treatment. Any decisions made will always be in your best interest.

We have introduced initiatives as part of our dementia strategy to make our staff more aware of the needs of patients who experience dementia, and support the needs of their families and carers. Our staff have been trained to involve carers as much as they can because they are a vital source of information and help in getting to know and understand the patient. Carers are encouraged to visit, to work with staff to ensure person-centered care.

In order to offer you the best person centred care we want to know you better. Please ask a nurse for an “About Me” booklet which you can fill in to help us understand your preferences and develop an individualised care plan. If you already had a “This is Me” Alzheimer’s Society booklet please bring this in with you so we can take a photocopy.

If you have any concerns or worries please speak to a doctor or nurse taking care of you who will be happy to support you. We also have a dedicated specialist dementia team who can give you advice and support through your hospital journey. In addition we have ward based Dementia Champions, please ask the nurse in charge who this is on the ward you are on.

Coming to hospital
If you do have to be admitted to hospital please remember to bring with you:
- Day and night clothes
- Slippers or appropriate footwear
- Dentures (if required)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap or shower gel
- Hearing aids (if required)
- Spectacles (if needed)
- Walking aids (if needed)
For people living with dementia personal items are also useful such as:
- Photographs, pictures or messages
- Personal music player and music
- Books or magazines of interest
- Activities such as puzzles, word searches etc.
We take great care to keep patients personal belongings safe, please ensure personal items are labelled with the patients name and avoid bringing high value or sentimental items, irreplaceable items into hospital.
Useful information for patients
Nutrition
A healthy diet and nutrition is fundamental to wellbeing especially for people living with dementia. We have a protected mealtime system in place to ensure all patients receive privacy and dignity. For patients who require assistance we welcome carers to come in during mealtimes to support. Please speak to the nurse in charge to arrange this.
Professionals involved in your care
There may be large number involved in your care whilst in hospital. Other healthcare professionals available to support you during your stay are:
- Specialist Consultants
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Porters
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Dieticians
- Older Adult Mental Health Liaison Team
- Discharge Liaison Nurses
- Social Workers
All professionals will identify themselves to you as you meet them and all wear and identification badge. Please ask a nurse or doctor looking after you if you would like help identifying anyone involved in your care.
Contact us

If you are an inpatient, relative or carer and would like to speak with someone in the dementia team, please ask a doctor or nurse who will be happy to send a on a referral. Someone from the team will then be able to see you while you are in hospital.
If you know you are coming into hospital and would like to speak with someone in the specialist dementia team, please let your doctor or nurse know so they can let the dementia team know and they will contact you before you arrive at hospital where possible.
Please note that ward and department based Dementia Champions will also be able to offer advice and support. Please ask the nurse in charge of the area who this is.

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