Dementia Care

Our aim at Wirral University Teaching Hospitals is to continually improve dementia care and deliver outstanding compassionate, person-centred care.

What is dementia?

The term ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that include loss of concentration and memory problems, mood and behaviour changes and problems with communicating and reasoning. These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, a series of small strokes or other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease.

Dementia is a progressive condition, which means that the symptoms become more severe over time. Although dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, increasing age is the main risk factor, predominantly affecting older people. However, younger people can also be affected and there is an estimated 42,000 people under the age of 65 living with dementia in the UK. There are currently 944,000 people with dementia in the UK, more than ever before, and this number is projected to increase rapidly over the next several decades, largely due to increases in life expectancy and population demographics.

What are the signs of dementia?

• Forgetfulness, for example, trouble remembering what has happened recently or recognising familiar people and places.
• Problems planning and doing tasks you used to do easily. For example, dealing with money, following a cooking recipe or writing a letter.
• Periods of mental confusion.
• Difficulty finding the right words or not being able to understand conversations as easily.
• Difficulty controlling your mood or behaviour. For example, feeling depressed, agitated or irritable.

Worried someone has dementia?

If someone you know is becoming increasingly forgetful, encourage them to see a GP to talk about the early signs of dementia.

There are other reasons why someone might be experiencing memory loss. However, if dementia is found early, its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.

During a hospital stay

Being in hospital when you are living with dementia or experiencing delirium can be difficult and frightening experience for both the individual and those who are close to them.

We encourage carers and close family members of patients living with dementia to visit their loved ones outside of our regular visiting hours. This is part of the national ‘John’s Campaign’, that recognises the important role of family members in the care of their loved ones whilst in hospital. We wish to actively promote John’s Campaign, reinforcing the message that carers have a right, not a duty, to be with the person they care for.

Carers’ Passports are available for families and carers who are visiting regularly. Ask a member of staff more details.

We also promote the Use of the “ This is me” - The “This is Me” document is a simple yet powerful resource that helps us understand the individual needs, preferences, and life histories of our patients with dementia. It provides valuable insight into who the patient is, what they enjoy, their routines, and their personality traits, allowing us to offer care that is both compassionate and tailored to the individual.

People with dementia may struggle to eat using cutlery as their dementia progresses. Finger foods are foods that can be eaten easily by hand and can prolong independence at mealtimes. They can also be used to improve food intake between meals. Please ask the ward staff for finger food options if you feel this would be beneficial.

Dementia Matron

We also have a Dementia Matron who can be contacted with any concerns or if you have any questions or need any practical support or guidance.  Please contact Matron Jenine Kelly on 0151 678 5111 extension 2707. Ask for bleep 2626. Email: jeninekelly@nhs.net

Jenine also has  an informal drop in clinic every first Thursday of the month 1-3pm at the Patient Experience Hub on the ground floor of Arrowe Park Hospital.

You will need to discuss any additional requests or requirements with the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge or Matron.

Dementia Care Survey

As a Trust, we strive to deliver the best patient care. We recognise that carers and relatives play a vital role in the care of patients with dementia. To develop our patient-centred care further, we would appreciate your feedback by please completing the WUTH Dementia Carers Survey.