How can we encourage someone with dementia when they’re in hospital?
Some things we know, such as greeting them with a huge smile, making sure we sit down to be at their eye level, not towering over them, bringing in something they like along with good news, and perhaps photographs of friends and families – even, as former care home manager and creative expert Janet Jacob suggests, a swatch of interesting materials to go through. Some people living with dementia become more tactile, and appreciate textures. And making sure they have something familiar, such as a handbag for ladies.
Dr Jennifer Bute was a senior GP and Fellow of the Royal College when diagnosed with dementia 14 years ago. She has both professional and personal experience of being a hospital patient.
She will be sharing her knowledge and experience with us in our next Zoom, on Tuesday, 14th September, at 2:30 pm.
And after a conference with physiotherapists in the largest hospital in the North of England, I’ll be sharing the one, vital thing they say is vitally important, but that relatives rarely supply.
This is the link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83626819336?pwd=QTk5ZXBqaU1McUNYb1Q3SjBBS0Z4UT09
Drop me an email to expect you!
(You can see some of Janet’s beautiful tactile designs on this page – scroll to the bottom- https://www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk/resources)
