Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms, associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities, caused by various diseases. The most common types of dementia are: Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemperal Dementia.
Dementia care in community settings
Community Mental Health Teams for Older People (CMHTOP) assess for dementia and provide support and treatment to individuals with a diagnosis of dementia. In this section, you will find information on:
- Dementia Navigators
- Memory Service
- Dementia Occupational Therapy
- The Brook supported living scheme
- Dementia Home Support Team
Dementia care in hospital
Dementia Companions
Dementia Companions are a complementary service that provides therapeutic engagement, distraction and meaningful activity to people living with a dementia in a hospital setting. This role provides support for people living with a dementia and, delirium, confusion or cognitive impairment associated with a possible diagnosis of dementia.
Hospital based support
RITA System
Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) technology is equipment for Dementia Companions and staff to use at ward level to engage with people living with dementia. It is a ‘computer on wheels’ system, with a detachable tablet which allows patients to use Apps, games and other leisure activities as part of their recovery. The interactive touch screen systems allows individuals to enjoy relaxation music, watch archive news footage, view old photographs, to help spark memories and start conversations with their loved ones and carers.
Activity folder and trolley
Each in-patient ward in the acute and community hospitals has an ‘Enhanced Care Activity Folder’ which contains laminated images to support reminiscence activities, puzzles and colouring in and Life Story Booklets to support therapeutic engagement and cognitive stimulating activities for our patients. The aim the Activity Trolley is to enhance staff/relative and patient engagement, providing meaningful activity with the overall aim of enhancing the quality of care and reducing the patient length of stay.
