“ “ Communication • I ntroduce yourself and tell the person why you have come to see them. • L ook at the person when you are talking to them. • M inimise any environmental distractions, for example, turn the TV down/off and make sure that you have their full attention. Signs of distress • P atients with dementia may appear to be violent or aggressive, but often their actions are a result of heightened levels of distress. • D ementia impacts a person’s ability to communicate and make their needs known, so as healthcare workers we should try to get to the bottom of why they are distressed. Eight important things about me • T his tool is designed to be a starting point for the therapeutic relationship between you and your patient. The document allows staff to better understand a patient and their life, which can help with engaging them in washing and dressing, calm them when they are distressed, and inspire them to get up and move around. More guidance for caring for patients with dementia is available on Freenet. Caring for patients with dementia 9 Staff getting involved in Tea with Doris “I found my calling in healthcare” Paul Clarke, health care assistant, has worked on an HSEP (health services for elderly people) ward at the RFH for 30 years. Before this role I was never in a job for more than a couple of years. I did a lot of agency and bank in orthopaedics. I moved to north London to be with my girlfriend and applied for the job. I honestly thought I’d do the job for a year or two and then move back into orthopaedics but I fell in love with working in elderly care because of the patients, many of whom have dementia. The role is all about supporting the patient and their family and that is so rewarding. The gratitude you get is more then anything you could get paid. The job opened me up as a person and I say I found my calling in healthcare by actually getting more involved in the care side of things. What I like is you are always developing. The training is continually being updated as we learn more and more about dementia. You are given all the tools but then it’s up to you to put them into action. To do the job you do need to be able to put yourself in the person with dementia’s shoes and you have to be a strong character. You need to understand that the person with dementia isn’t responsible for their behaviour. Speaking softly and asking people their name goes a long way. It really is the small things that count. Although it can be very stressful physically and mentally, I wouldn’t swap this job for anything in the world. Honestly, when I go on annual leave after a week I can’t wait to come back. The staff are like my family. We laugh, we are serious and if you need answers everyone is here to help. It’s my home away from home.
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