Care of the elderly
About the Service / Department
Our Care of the elderly department are experts at providing care and services specifically for our older patients.
We run a stroke prevention clinic, a falls prevention clinic and a continence service, as well as general outpatient services.
Caring for people with Dementia
We are committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers, to enable them to live well with dementia. We have a dedicated Dementia Specialist Practitioner who can advise and support staff, patients and carers.
Our ‘Care of the Elderly Champions’ can be found in most departments and wards, identified by their 'care of the elderly' badge. These are staff that have received additional training in dementia care.
This is Me
The ‘This is Me’ booklet is a document that we ask the patient's family or carer to complete for us. The information gives a short biography of the person with dementia. It enables staff to use this information to support communication, distractions, understanding likes and dislikes whilst providing an insight into the person. This information can help staff better understand how they can care for a patient should the person become agitated or anxious in a more familiar and reassuring way.
Identification of people with dementia
We ask people who are living with dementia to wear a blue clasp on their wrist band so hospital staff can easily recognise and support them.
Home comforts
An unfamiliar environment can be particularly difficult for a person with dementia, increasing their anxiety and difficulty in orientation of place and time. We encourage family members to bring in familiar, comforting items such as the person's own clothes, a favourite blanket or photos of loved ones.
Activities trolley and boxes
There are several activities trolleys and boxes around the hospital for all patients to access. They include items such as reminiscence cards, felt tips pens, games, puzzles, dominos, and twiddle muffs. These activities are designed to increase mental stimulation for people with dementia, which aids recovery and improves their overall experience during their hospital stay. This helps staff and volunteers engage in meaningful activities with a person with dementia and we encourage carers to utilise the various equipment we have to create a more stimulating environment.
Caring for carers service
Our Caring for carers team are available to support people who are caring for our patients with dementia. They offer valuable support to those who care for someone living with dementia.
Useful resources
Consultants
Find out more about our Elderly Care consultants
