A new initiative aimed at dementia patients, which is designed to empower both them and their families to make effective decisions and choices regarding their future care, has been launched at Portiuncula University Hospital.
About one in three patients aged 70 and older admitted to Irish hospitals has dementia, according to Siobhan Coen, an occupational therapist at the Ballinasloe hospital.
“This figure will increase annually as the population ages. People living with dementia are among the most vulnerable patients in hospital. They are often older, frail, and very prone to delirium, falls, pressure ulcers, and malnutrition which are key safety issues in hospitals.
The “Seo Is Mise - This is Me” quality improvement initiative was developed by the occupational therapy and medical social work departments at the Ballinasloe hospital.
It features a dementia resource pack containing information for service users and their families on the support services available in Ballinasloe and the surrounding areas.
It also includes the “Think Ahead” form developed by the Irish Hospice Foundation which encourages service users and their families to discuss and record their wishes about all aspects of their future care.
The four medical and surgical wards at Portiuncula hospital will also have access to a dementia activity box suited to people requiring stimulation with therapeutic intervention. This aims to enhance patients’ hospital experiences.
Speaking of the importance of the dementia activity box, Ms Coen said it aims to promote a more cognitively stimulating environment for patients with dementia.
“The box is equipped with a variety of both traditional and new technology products such as jigsaws, conversation balls, and iPads which will be used to cognitively stimulate patients and hopefully better build relationships among staff and their patients.
“These products are evidence-based to facilitate engaging conversations, stimulate senses, and promote reminiscence between patients with dementia, staff, and carers. It will support optimum health and wellbeing during the patient’s hospital stay and help reduce the anxiety and confusion that can occur whilst in an unfamiliar hospital environment.”
Caroline McInerney Layng, the social work manager at Portiuncula University Hospital, said she was delighted to be associated with the launch of the resource pack and activity box.
“This is all part of building on the National Dementia Strategy and continuing the work of the Understand Together Campaign which was launched in 2017.”
James Keane, the general manager of the hospital welcomed the initiative, saying that staff from the occupational therapy and medical social work departments have worked closely together to introduce this “fantastic new initiative” focusing on driving innovation and further education to benefit patients.
“It is important that we have greater supports in place to ease the journey through our hospital for our patients. Ensuring we have processes to assist in meeting the needs of our patients is a priority for the hospital.”
