Scheme to help families of patients with dementia

Family members caring for patients with dementia at Forth Valley Royal Hospital are to receive extra support allowing them to stay overnight with loved ones.

The move follows the purchasing of 16 ‘buddy chairs’ as part of John’s Campaign, which seeks to provide care for those with dementia once they are admitted ot hospital.

Following a successful trial in wards B21 and A23, the chairs were purchased and will allow those with dementia to benefit from support throughout the night from family members of carers.

Nicola Wood, an Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurse consultant based at Forth Valley Royal, said: “We are delighted that we now have the facilities to support overnight stays in all of our inpatient areas.

Having family members present during what may be an unfamiliar experience can go a long way to preventing potential distress for people with dementia.

We would encourage people with dementia and their families to speak with staff regarding how they and their loved one can be supported during a hospital admission to ensure the best possible experience for all.”

NHS Forth Valley director of nursing professor, Angela Wallace, commented: “We are pleased to be part of this innovative and important campaign. We have a personcentred approach to visiting and the buddy chairs are just one strand of a wide range of support available for people with dementia across NHS Forth Valley.

“Thirty-seven dementia champions work across the Health Board area to provide specialist advice and training to local staff.

“Activity boxes have been purchased which relatives and staff can use to engage and interact with patients.

“These include dominoes, cards and reminiscence boxes which are available throughout inpatient areas and wards.”