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Dementia and delirium

Contact us

  • Rudi: 07841 801 896
  • Marianne: 07776 318 734

Dementia is a term describing a group of symptoms that happen when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions. It leads to problems with memory, thinking, communication, and everyday activities. A hospital visit or illness can make a person living with dementia, agitated, anxious or restless.

There are many causes and types of dementia, and it affects everyone differently. Dementia is a progressive disease, but the speed and pattern of progression can vary from person to person. Some of the most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

Delirium is a sudden change in a person’s cognition or mental state which may include confusion, drowsiness and agitation. Common causes of delirium are pain, infection, lack of nutrition, constipation, dehydration, medication and being in an unfamiliar environment.

If you notice any changes in your relative’s behaviour, please let a member of staff know. If delirium is suspected, investigations will be carried out to look for potential causes and to treat the underlying cause.

Recovery times can vary from person to person, and individuals living with dementia may need more time to recover.

Caring for people living with dementia and delirium

Our Dementia and Delirium team includes a Lead Dementia and Delirium Practitioner and Dementia and Delirium Clinical Nurse Specialist, with support from a Medical Clinical Lead.

We provide expert support and guidance to patients with known or suspected dementia and/or delirium. We also support carers and families. The team focuses on building staff confidence and skills in delivering compassionate, person-centred care. We also collaborate with colleagues helps create dementia-friendly environments that are safe, supportive, and welcoming for everyone.

Dementia key workers and activity coordinators, based on the Care of the Elderly and Orthopaedic wards, contribute to patient support under ward management. We also work alongside a network of dementia champions who help promote best practice in dementia and delirium care.

We recognise and value the vital role of carers, and aim to involve family, friends, and carers in the care of people living with and suspected dementia.

The dementia and delirium team actively promotes John’s Campaign, which reinforces that carers have a right – not a duty – to be with the person they care for. This includes the flexibility to visit outside standard hours, offering comfort and support.

We identify people living with or suspected dementia and/or with delirium when they are admitted. This helps ensure staff are aware of their individual needs and can provide the most appropriate, person-centred care from the start.

Forget-me-not flower symbol

This magnet is placed on the patient’s bed boards or bedroom door to visually identify patients with known or suspected dementia. It is especially useful for staff without access to electronic patient records such as porters, the transport team and domestic team.

Alerts or warning indicators

Alerts or warning indicators are added to electronic patient record systems for patients with a formal diagnosis of dementia and delirium. These ensure care is appropriately adjusted, and staff remain aware of the patient’s specific needs.

Working together to support your loved one

Family and friends play a vital role in supporting people living with or suspected dementia and/or delirium. Your insight is valuable in helping us create a care plan that makes your loved one’s hospital stay as comfortable and positive as possible.

To guide this, we use a document called the ‘This is me’ booklet. This helps us get to know the person, and includes:

  • A sense of who they are, their life story, family, work, and social background
  • Important people or pets in their life
  • Hobbies, interests, and daily routines
  • Situations that may cause distress, and strategies to help if they become anxious, agitated, or start to wander
  • Food preferences and eating habits

Hospitals can feel overwhelming for people with known or suspected dementia and/or with delirium. With your input, we can provide more personalised care, offering meaningful activities such as music or conversations that bring comfort and familiarity.

If you have a loved one living with dementia who is a patient in our hospitals, we will ask you to complete the form. You can do this online or download a copy to print.

It should be filled out by the person or people who know the individual best and ideally, with the involvement of the person themselves if possible.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact the Dementia and Delirium Team on 01622 228 251 or 01892 633 738, or email mtw-tr.dementia@nhs.net

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