It’s important to remember that most patients with dementia are not in hospital because of their dementia, but for another health condition. However, an unfamiliar hospital environment or the health condition they have been admitted for can sometimes heighten someone’s dementia symptoms.
About us
Our dementia team create a more dementia-friendly hospital environment such as making good use of clearer signs and colours. We help colleagues, patients and their families with their questions about dementia, the support available and when their loved one can leave hospital.
How we help
For our dementia patients, the importance of close relationships with unpaid carers or family members cannot be underestimated
Our team supports these relationships through our Carer’s Policy and Carer’s Passport – which gives the right to be with a patient at any time of day or night – and our support for John’s Campaign.
We’re also fortunate to have specially-trained ‘Knowing Me volunteers’ who lead activities on the wards to keep patients engaged in meaningful ways that help their recovery, reduce anxiety and help pass the time while they get better.
Getting ready for your appointment
- If you’re a carer of someone living with dementia who is coming into hospital, we will ask you to fill in a ‘Knowing Me’ form to tell us more about them.
- The form is an easy and practical way of recording who you/they are as a person. It helps all our health and social care professionals see them as an individual so we can deliver care that is tailored specifically to their needs. It can also help with communication difficulties and stop more serious conditions such as malnutrition and dehydration developing.
How to complete a ‘Knowing Me’ form
The Knowing Me form is an easy way of giving us information about a person with dementia that helps them see that person as an individual as well as a patient.
It can be used in any setting – at home, hospital, in respite care or a care home and can help reduce distress for the person with dementia and their carer. It can also help with communication difficulties and prevent serious conditions developing, such as malnutrition and dehydration. This will enhance the care and support they receive while in an unfamiliar environment. It is not a medical document.
‘Knowing Me’ is about the person at the time the form is completed and will need to be updated often. It can be completed by the person with dementia or their carer with help from the person with dementia where possible.
Where we are
Helpful resources
How to refer
If you or someone you know is worried about becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly If they’re over 65, you should talk to your GP about the possibility of dementia.