Tag Archives: dementia
The Positive Aspects of Care Homes In Dementia Support
Guest blog from JasonTucker
Often family members can feel guilty
When a person is diagnosed with dementia it has an enormous impact on their family. Many of those who suffer with dementia are elderly and may well have been caregivers throughout their adult life as parents and grandparents, but as the condition takes hold the roles become reversed as they need increasing amounts of care.
At first family members will often try to provide this care themselves, along with help from dementia support services and charities. Dementia is a multi-faceted condition and symptoms include memory loss, impaired reasoning and communication skills as well as a general struggle with day to day activities. Because of these effects sufferers often become disorientated, frightened and can sometimes become violent, risking harm to themselves and others. As the condition progresses the level of care required can become too much for even the most devoted and patient family members. At this point seeking long-stay care in a residential or nursing home can be the best move.
‘Never mind the patient, tick the box’
Regulation and inspection are often increased after a crisis
By Prof Sue Bailey President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Scandals lead to inquiries and to recommendations – leading to a focus on filling in forms and ticking the right boxes.But in this week’s Scrubbing Up Sue Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, says it’s time to listen to those receiving the care.
Why do care standards break down? We’ve all read heartbreaking stories of elderly people with dementia or patients with learning difficulties being neglected, mistreated and abused.
When things go wrong, inquiries are set up, reports are published and lessons learnt.
Think Winterbourne View; Mid-Staffordshire; childcare in Rochdale, or the Carlisle Report.
At heart, the recommendations boil down to improving communication, listening, learning and acting. It means taking notice of what patients and service users have to say.
Blame culture
But when trying to deliver the right kind of care, the health service often addresses regulation, standard setting, inspection and monitoring.
‘Christmas to remember’ campaign aims to raise awareness of dementia
‘Christmas to remember’ campaign aims to raise awareness of dementia
The ‘Christmas to remember’ campaign was launched by actress Carey Mulligan and the Prime Minister at Downing Street this morning. It is a joint digital campaign from Number 10, Department of Health and Alzheimer’s Society. It aims to raise awareness of dementia and encourage people to take appropriate action if they spot signs of the condition in family or friends over the festive season.
