What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? Information for patients and carers

Transcription

1 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? Information for patients and carers Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered

2 I can expect dementia-friendly care, focused on me. You can expect to be treated with dignity at all times whilst you are in our department. However the Emergency Department sometimes becomes overcrowded and this becomes difficult: please let us know if this is a concern. n Staff will offer my carer a This Is Me booklet to complete. This will provide the department with important information about me. If you have not received this please let a member of staff know. If you have already completed this booklet, please pass it to a member of staff. 2 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia?

3 n If my carer is not with me a member of staff will ensure that I am safe and don t feel anxious. The Emergency Department is often busy, bright and noisy. Please let us know if this causes you to feel anxious, and we will try to provide a calmer environment for you. n Staff will be aware of my dementia because they will place a forget-me-not sticker on my paperwork and name band. This will help staff to recognise that I have dementia. n Staff will be aware that I can become confused and might be prone to falling. Medical and nursing staff are aware of this risk. What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? 3

4 I can expect assistance with eating and drinking, if I need it. n Staff will be aware what impact dementia might have on my ability to eat and drink. n Staff will stay with me when I am offered food and drink in the absence of my carer. 4 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia?

5 I can expect staff to recognise and manage my pain. n Staff will communicate with my carer and me about how they would know when I am in pain. n Staff will have adequate training to recognise signs of when I am in pain. n Staff will take prompt action if I am in pain. Please inform us if your pain is not reducing. What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? 5

6 I can expect staff to respond appropriately if I am distressed whilst I am in the Emergency Department n Staff are trained to understand what I maybe trying to communicate through my behaviour as I cannot always say what I feel. We are trained in communication skills. We will approach and communicate with you clearly and appropriately whilst you are in our department. 6 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia?

7 n Staff will have resources available to make me feel more comfortable: such as things to listen to, watch, hold or play with. Please ask if you think this may help. n Staff will communicate appropriately with me so that I can understand what is happening. In the Emergency Department we aim to provide one-to-one care if you are distressed, disorientated or anxious. Please inform staff members if you think this will help you. What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? 7

8 I can expect support for my carer. We have various information leaflets for carers of people with dementia. These are stored in the main waiting room. Please ask if you would like to know what services are available to you. n My carer can stay with me throughout my time in the Emergency Department. n My carer can access nearby parking with no charge. Under certain circumstances, your carer will be eligible for free parking. Please discuss this further with the nurse in charge to establish if your carer qualifies for this access. 8 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia?

9 I can expect all staff to have had dementia training. n All Trust staff undergo dementia awareness training at their Trust induction. n Many Emergency Department staff are Dementia Champions. They wear a badge bearing a Forget Me Not logo. What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? 9

10 Further Resources: If you are admitted, you can get further support from our Hospital Dementia and Carers Liaison teams (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). Dementia Team: dementiacare@nbt.nhs.uk (Dementia Matron) Carers Liaison Team: carersliaison@nbt.nhs.uk Southmead Hospital Memory Café Wednesdays 2-4 pm Gate 28. Please drop in anytime. 10 What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia?

11 Alzheimer s Society bristol@alzheimers.org.uk You can find information on care services, local support groups, financial and legal assistance at this web address. Emergency Department Frailty Lead: Dr Edd Carlton ed.carlton@nbt.nhs.uk Emergency Department Lead Nurses for Dementia Care: Sister Hema Popo Owens & Staff Nurse Maryam Rashky-Evans. What can I expect from the Emergency Department if I have dementia? 11

12 How to contact us (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm): Dementia Team: dementiacare@nbt.nhs.uk (Dementia Matron) Carers Liaison Team: carersliaison@nbt.nhs.uk Southmead Hospital Memory Café Wednesdays 2-4 pm Gate 28. Please drop in anytime. Alzheimer s Society bristol@alzheimers.org.uk Emergency Department Frailty Lead: Dr Edd Carlton ed.carlton@nbt.nhs.uk Emergency Department Lead Nurses for Dementia Care: Sister Hema Popo Owens Staff Nurse Maryam Rashky-Evans. If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice. North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March Review due March NBT003062