Loved ones stay with dementia patients

FRIENDS and family will be able to stay longer with loved ones who have dementia thanks to a new initiative at Leicester’s hospitals.

The scheme, which saw overwhelmingly positive feedback during trials in the summer, aims to allow extended visits for those closest to older patients with dementia.

During the pilots, staff welcomed carers, friends and family onto the wards beyond standard visiting hours and worked in partnership with families to help provide the best possible care for the patient.

More than 1,400 patients were admitted through three wards, of which 14 patients had a diagnosis of dementia and had family who were supported by the scheme to stay beyond visiting times with the patient.

Justine Allen from the patient experience team said: “The principles behind this campaign are very simple and similar to that of our existing carers charter - to allow family, carers and friends to help support vulnerable patients so it made sense to trial the campaign to see if it could enhance what we already do.

“Where patients may need some extra support, we have found this is often best placed to come from someone they know and love. Being in hospital can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, especially for patients with dementia.

“Having a familiar face by your side to help with getting dressed, eating or by just simply being there for company and reassurance can make a huge difference to health and recovery.”

The principles of the “stay with me” scheme were inspired by national initiative John’s Campaign, founded by Nicci Gerrard in memory of her father Dr John Gerrard.