Dementia Care
Dementia Care at Bedford Hospital
Over 845,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of dementia and it is reported that 25% of all hospital beds will be occupied by a patient with a type of dementia.
At Bedford Hospital we are committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers, to enable them to live well with Dementia.
Yvonne.weldon@ldh.nhs.uk Tel: 07816366320
Sarah.gray@ldh.nhs.uk Tel: 07816366313
‘Dementia Champions’ are staff who have received additional training in dementia care, they are available in most departments and wards.
This is Me
The ‘This is Me’ booklet is a booklet that we ask the carer to complete for us. This could be the main carer, or a family member who knows the person best. 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.
Activities and Equipment
Ward areas are continuously gathering items and equipment to use as part of distraction and stimulation therapy for the person with Dementia. This helps staff and volunteers engage in meaningful activities with the person with Dementia, we are encouraging carers to utilise the various equipment we have, to offer a more stimulating environment.
‘Johns Campaign’
As a Trust we have fully supported this national campaign. We appreciate this is a difficult time for carers and relatives, and fully understand the importance of your continued support for the person living with Dementia while they are in hospital.
People with Dementia may find it difficult to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and faces, therefore we try to offer the main carer the chance to have unrestricted visiting. This enables the carer to be present at a time that is convenient for them and enables them to offer support to the person with Dementia, giving advice/guidance and help to staff, should they wish to.
This is supported with a Carers Pack, which offers concessions with parking fees and a discount at the hospital restaurants.
If you need to know more about this, please ask the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse or contact the Dementia Nurse.
Dementia Care Project
The Dementia Care Project is a project which enables us to provide the right equipment and stimulation activities for patients with Dementia. It will encourage them to stay as active and independent as possible even though they are in hospital. The aim is to help them recover better and be well enough to go home. The project relies on volunteers and staff to engage in interactive stimulation through Music, craft or simple chatting and reminiscence. Some wards have an activities co-ordinators who offer various groups and 1:1 sessions.
Herbert Protocol
Working with Bedfordshire Police, we are pleased to share their information gathering checklist to help assist with caring for individuals with Dementia.
The ‘Herbert Protocol’ is a short online form designed to help those suffering from Dementia, and offer peace of mind for their families. Should your vulnerable family member with dementia wander we have all the right tools to help find them efficiently and safely. Please download the form below.
Useful Links
Dementia UK Helpline – 0800 888 6678
Memory Navigation Service – 0300 111 9090
Tibbs Dementia Foundation – 01234 210993
Alzheimer’s Society – 0333 150 3456
Guide to living with dementia toolkit
Living with dementia – my life, my goals workbook
National Audit for Dementia
The Trust will be completing Round 6 of the National Audit for Dementia. We are welcoming feedback from carers and relatives of those people living with dementia who have attended either the L&D or Bedford Hospital.
Please visit www.nationalauditdementia.org.uk or, for a paper copy of the questionnaire, contact the Dementia Specialist Nurse on 01582 497417 or PALS.
Over 845,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of dementia and it is reported that 25% of all hospital beds will be occupied by a patient with a type of dementia.
At the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital we are committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers, to enable them to live well with Dementia.
We have a dedicated Nurse Specialist who can advise and support staff, patients and carers.
Yvonne Weldon – 07816366320
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 08.30 – 16.30
yvonne.weldon@ldh.nhs.uk
Sarah Gray – 07816366313
sarah.gray@ldh.nhs.uk
‘Dementia Champions’ are staff who have received additional training in dementia care, they are available in most departments and wards and can be identified by their yellow lanyard.
This is Me
The ‘This is Me’ booklet is a booklet that we ask the carer to complete for us. This could be the main carer, or a family member who knows the person best. 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.
Distraction trolley/boxes
Ward areas are continuously gathering items and equipment to use as part of distraction and stimulation therapy for the person with Dementia. This helps staff and volunteers engage in meaningful activities with the person with Dementia, we are encouraging carers to utilise the various equipment we have, to offer a more stimulating environment.
Extended visiting & Support for ‘Johns Campaign’
As a Trust we have fully supported this national campaign. We appreciate this is a difficult time for carers and relatives, and fully understand the importance of your continued support for the person living with Dementia while they are in hospital.
People with Dementia may find it difficult to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and faces, therefore we try to offer the main carer the chance to have unrestricted visiting. This enables the carer to be present at a time that is convenient for them and enables them to offer support to the person with Dementia, giving advice/guidance and help to staff, should they wish to.
This is supported with a Carers Pack, which offers concessions with parking fees and a discount at the hospital restaurants.
If you need to know more about this, please ask the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse or contact the Dementia Nurse.
Dementia Care Project
The Dementia Care Project is a project which enables us to provide the right equipment and stimulation activities for patients with Dementia. It will encourage them to stay as active and independent as possible even though they are in hospital. The aim is to help them recover better and be well enough to go home. The project relies on volunteers and staff to engage in interactive stimulation through Music, craft or simple chatting and reminiscence.
Please read more about this project here.
Herbert Protocol
Working with Bedfordshire Police, we are pleased to share their information gathering checklist to help assist with caring for individuals with Dementia.
The ‘Herbert Protocol’ is a short online form designed to help those suffering from Dementia, and offer peace of mind for their families. Should your vulnerable family member with dementia wander we have all the right tools to help find them efficiently and safely. Download the form
Useful Links
Tibbs Dementia Foundation Service Timetable
Dementia UK
Dementia publications in other languages
Beds Fire, Safe and Well Service, Safeandwell@bedsfire.gov.uk
Guide to living with dementia toolkit
Living with dementia – my life, my goals workbook
National Audit for Dementia
The Trust will be completing Round 6 of the National Audit for Dementia. We are welcoming feedback from carers and relatives of those people living with dementia who have attended either the L&D or Bedford Hospital.
Please visit www.nationalauditdementia.org.uk or, for a paper copy of the questionnaire, contact the Dementia Specialist Nurse on 01582 497417 or PALS.