Dementia Awareness for Volunteers

Summary

The video introduces dementia awareness training led by a trainer from the Isle of Wight. It highlights the growing prevalence of dementia in an aging UK population and emphasizes the importance of understanding dementia's symptoms and impact. Through a narrative titled 'Barbara's Story,' it follows an elderly woman with dementia as she navigates a hospital visit. The story illustrates the challenges faced by dementia patients, such as confusion and anxiety, and underscores the need for compassionate care, patience, and good communication from healthcare professionals to ensure dignity and support for those affected.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a range of symptoms, including memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and language.
• 📈 With the aging population in the UK, the number of people at risk of dementia is rising, making dementia awareness and education crucial.
• 📚 Providing proper education, training, and skill development is key to ensuring quality dementia care, centered on principles of compassion, communication, and integrity.
• ❗ Dementia is progressive and irreversible, meaning symptoms will worsen over time, such as memory loss, confusion, and personality changes.
• 🔍 Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting around two-thirds of patients, while other types include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
• 🏥 The video, Barbara's Story, illustrates the journey of a dementia patient through the hospital system, highlighting the challenges faced by people with dementia.
• 🤝 Small acts of kindness, patience, and respect, such as smiling, helping, and clear communication, can make a significant difference in the lives of dementia patients.
• 📝 Hospital staff should always introduce themselves and avoid speaking over patients, as these gestures help dementia patients feel valued and safe.
• 🧓 Dementia patients can still make decisions, and treating them with dignity and respect is essential for their well-being and confidence in their care.
• ❤️ The message of the video emphasizes the importance of little things—small actions like being patient, apologizing when things go wrong, and saying thank you can have a huge impact on the care experience.

Q & A

What is dementia and why is it important to raise awareness about it?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, or language. Raising awareness is important because, with an aging population, the number of people at risk of dementia is rising, and education is essential to provide good dementia care.

What are some of the common symptoms of dementia?

Common symptoms of dementia include struggling to remember recent events or people's names, difficulties in following conversations, repeating oneself, losing the thread of what is being said, difficulty concentrating or thinking things through, and becoming unusually anxious, depressed, or agitated.

What are the different types of dementia mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions several types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (affecting two-thirds of people with dementia), dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, frontal temporal dementia, and alcoholic dementia.

Why is it important for healthcare professionals to be aware of dementia?

It is important because understanding dementia allows healthcare professionals to provide compassionate, respectful, and effective care. This includes good communication and acting with integrity to help people with dementia feel safe and well-cared for.

What role does education play in dementia care?

Education is key to improving dementia care by ensuring that healthcare professionals have the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to provide compassionate and effective support to patients with dementia.

How does the progression of dementia impact the symptoms?

Dementia is progressive and irreversible, meaning that its symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in processing information, will worsen over time.

What lessons can be learned from Barbara’s story in terms of patient care?

Barbara’s story emphasizes the importance of small acts of kindness, such as introducing oneself, being patient, showing respect, and providing clear communication. These actions can significantly improve the care experience for dementia patients.

How did Barbara feel about her hospital experience, and what could have been done differently?

Barbara felt confused and anxious during her hospital visit, particularly because of unclear communication and the unfamiliar environment. Staff could have improved her experience by being more attentive, patient, and ensuring that she understood what was happening at each step.

What does Barbara suggest are important qualities for healthcare staff when caring for dementia patients?

Barbara suggests that healthcare staff should take pride in their work, treat patients with respect and humanity, be patient, and ensure that patients feel they matter. She also emphasizes the importance of clear communication and showing empathy.

What key messages are emphasized for healthcare staff after watching Barbara’s story?

The key messages for staff include the importance of doing small things that make a big difference, such as smiling, offering help, and showing kindness. These actions can greatly improve the care and comfort of patients with dementia.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Introduction to Dementia Awareness

The speaker, Linson, introduces dementia awareness and its importance, particularly in an aging population. He emphasizes the value of education, training, and compassion in dementia care. Dementia is described as a progressive and irreversible condition caused by diseases like Alzheimer’s or strokes. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. Various types of dementia are mentioned, such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, and vascular dementia.

05:10

🚶‍♀️ Barbara's Journey Begins

The video introduces Barbara, an elderly lady with dementia, as she navigates a hospital appointment. She expresses anxiety about missing her appointment, confusion about her location, and frustration with the hospital environment. Barbara interacts with busy staff who often fail to give her clear information, increasing her feelings of disorientation. A nurse eventually assists her, guiding her to the toilet and offering some relief from her distress.

10:11

🏥 Barbara's Hospital Examination

Barbara undergoes a medical examination, during which she feels vulnerable and exposed. The hospital staff explains that she will need to stay overnight for further tests. Barbara's thoughts reflect her worry about her health, and she remembers past experiences, such as the last time she undressed in front of someone. The scene highlights the anxiety she faces as a dementia patient in a hospital setting.

15:11

👩‍🏫 Reflections on Life and Care

Barbara reflects on her life, mentioning her past role as a headmistress, and expresses a sense of loss after retiring. The video shifts to discuss her at-home experience with a district nurse, who shows her kindness and patience. Barbara appreciates the small acts of respect and care that made her feel valued, and she shares her thoughts on how caregivers can improve the quality of care for people with dementia.

20:14

💡 Key Takeaways for Dementia Care

Barbara emphasizes the importance of treating dementia patients with humanity, patience, and respect. She explains that even though her memory and cognitive abilities are fading, she still has the capacity to make decisions and deserves to be treated as an individual. She advises caregivers to introduce themselves, be welcoming, and make patients feel safe. Barbara concludes by urging caregivers to act with integrity, be proud of their work, and recognize the impact of small gestures of kindness.

Keywords

💡Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that may include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, or language. It is caused by brain damage from diseases like Alzheimer's or strokes. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that dementia is progressive and irreversible, with symptoms worsening over time. The video aims to raise awareness of the impact of dementia on patients and how to care for them with compassion.

💡Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting about two-thirds of people with dementia. It leads to memory loss and cognitive decline due to the degeneration of brain cells. The video highlights this condition as a major type of dementia and emphasizes the need for proper care and understanding of its effects on patients, like memory lapses and confusion.

💡Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia is a type of dementia closely associated with Parkinson's disease, affecting thinking, memory, and movement. The video mentions this condition as one of the various types of dementia and emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of its symptoms to offer better care.

💡Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia related to impaired blood flow to the brain, often caused by strokes or blood vessel damage. The video briefly touches on vascular dementia, noting that it is another common form of dementia and emphasizing that different types of dementia require tailored care approaches.

💡Compassion

Compassion is highlighted as a key principle of good dementia care in the video. It refers to the empathy and kindness healthcare professionals should show toward patients with dementia. Through examples like helping patients who feel disoriented or confused, the video demonstrates how small acts of compassion, such as guiding a patient to the restroom, can significantly impact their comfort and well-being.

💡Communication

Effective communication is critical in dementia care, as mentioned in the video. Dementia patients may struggle to understand or express themselves, so clear, patient communication helps them feel safe and respected. The video shows this in scenes where staff introduce themselves and explain situations to Barbara, ensuring she remains informed and reassured.

💡Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the primary symptoms of dementia, affecting the ability to recall recent events, names, and conversations. The video illustrates this through Barbara's confusion, such as forgetting her hospital appointment and struggling to remember where she left her food. Understanding memory loss is essential for those caring for dementia patients.

💡Progressive Disease

A progressive disease is one that worsens over time, which applies to dementia. The video highlights that dementia is irreversible and progressively affects a patient's cognitive and physical abilities. This underscores the importance of long-term care strategies and preparing for the increasing needs of patients as their condition advances.

💡Integrity

Integrity is another core value stressed in the video, referring to the importance of honesty and professionalism in dementia care. The video encourages staff to be proud of their work, to always act with transparency, and to maintain trust with their patients by being upfront about what is happening, such as during Barbara’s hospital tests.

💡Person-Centered Care

Person-centered care refers to treating patients as individuals with unique needs, rather than as cases or conditions. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing patients' histories and preferences, such as Barbara’s background as a headmistress, and the need to address her with respect, making her feel valued and understood despite her dementia.

Highlights

Introduction to dementia awareness by 50-ohm Linson, highlighting the importance of education and training in dementia care.

Explanation of dementia as a progressive and irreversible condition affecting memory, language, and problem-solving.

Dementia is caused by brain damage from diseases like Alzheimer's or a series of strokes.

The significance of understanding dementia as it affects an aging population in the UK, with more people at risk.

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and personality changes.

Common types of dementia discussed: Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

The emotional and psychological impact of dementia, including anxiety, depression, and agitation.

Barbara's Story: A case study following an elderly woman with dementia as she navigates the hospital system.

Challenges faced by Barbara: confusion in hospital settings, difficulty following conversations, and losing personal items.

Key message from Barbara's Story: the importance of kindness, patience, and respect when interacting with dementia patients.

Barbara expresses the value of small acts of care, such as staff introducing themselves and showing empathy.

The film emphasizes the role of hospital staff in making patients feel safe, secure, and respected.

Barbara's advice to hospital staff: treat every patient with dignity and act with integrity, remembering their vulnerability.

Encouragement for healthcare workers to improve care for dementia patients by doing one small kind act every day.

Conclusion: A call to action for hospital staff to engage with dementia patients with pride, patience, and understanding.

Transcripts

hello I'm 50-ohm linson I'm dementia

trainer lead for the Isle of Wight and

Here I am today to introduce you to t1

dementia awareness so why is dementia

awareness important to us with an aging

population in the UK the number of those

people living who are who are at risk of

dementia is continuing to rise education

training and skills acquisition are a

hallmark of good dementia care the

principles of caring compassion good

communication respecting others and

acting with integrity apply to all our

patients we need to understand about

dementia so what is dementia and

dementia is an umbrella term which

describes a set of symptoms that may

include memory loss and difficulties

with thinking problem-solving or

language dementia is caused when the

brain is damaged by diseases such as

Alzheimer's disease or a series of

strokes it is important to remember that

dementia is progressive and irreversible

which means the symptoms will get worse

some of the symptoms include struggling

to remember recent events or people's

names finding it hard to follow

conversations on TV programs repeating

yourself for losing thread of what you

were saying

difficulty with concentrating thinking

things through or following

conversations feeling confused or

disorientated even in a well-known place

becoming unusually anxious depressed or

agitated possible personality changes

and behavioral problems there are up to

a hundred types

the dementia and the most common ones

known to us include Alzheimer's disease

and that affects about two-thirds of

people dementia with Lewy body and this

is closely associated with Parkinson's

disease vascular dementia associated

with older age frontal temporal dementia

and this affects younger people and

alcoholic dementia we're now going to

show a short video called Barbara story

Barbara's story follows the journey of

an elderly lady with dementia through

the hospital system

[Music]

I know it's my hospital appointment

today I'm sure it is with the taxi

I wish I didn't have to go

but I know I've got to I have to go

taxis too late what if I miss my

appointment

I wonder if I gave my address

we're here right now were here what do

you mean we're here where are we yeah I

get that but I just need to know whether

let's pick up is

at least 20 minutes if they feel talking

to me maybe I'm in the wrong room

should I ask somebody that's fine sexy

that perception is still she looks

really busy maybe I know oh that's a

better way to learn longer

okay from now but I can't see him anyway

they tried 120 okay if I see him I'll

time you looking for him

excuse me please

can you tell me why I'm here today

my name is mrs. Barrus I've been rule

your head say dr. Singh please take a

seat say call you and it's your turn

can you tell me why I'm here cardiology

outpatients just remote please the

doctor I'll explain everything when

we're going to see him please take a

seat

right okay

no that's fine yes I will do yes

okay

yeah all right

I really need to go what the toilet must

be nearby but I don't leave my seat what

if I get up and they call me while I'm

away

okay come with me my name is Jane I'm a

nurse from one of the wards the toilets

just down this corridor these signs can

be really confusing sometimes can they

[Music]

is this where you were sitting

yes that's right

I think I'll be all right now thank you

again for all your help you're welcome

[Music]

sorry mrs. Ruiz can I help you tie them

you know what that would be most helpful

thank you and what did you want to talk

to me about oh I just

really

Barbara Reese mrs. Reese please we've

been looking for you the doctor's

waiting Barbara do you understand why

you're here your GP dr. Richards tells

me that you've been having a few

breathing problems is that right well I

sometimes have to catch my breath

a bit like that that's mainly when I go

upstairs you need to do a quick

examination of you which will mean

you'll need to take off your blouse who

is that young man over there probably

best if you stand up to do that Barbara

why don't you pop yourself up on the

couch

I think we're ready for you dr. Singh

Len was the last person to see me

without a blouse Barbara can you breathe

in for me please

Ted can man looking at me put your

blouse back on there

Oh Barbara we need to do some urgent

tests on you which I'm afraid will

involve you staying in hospital

overnight

just for now heat it's just a test on

your heart Barbara it's nothing to worry

about

am I going to be okay they say there's

nothing to me about but they're

probably just saying that what if it's

something I love worse

Henson hey do haha night I have your

patient from clinic in for heart test

bed on the Left wheeler over I'll be

with you in a second

come on the lock breaks ROM right let's

get you out this chair can you stand oh

how was the wedding God that seems like

ages ago now it was amazing was it the

best day of your life it was it really

was if you need anything just press that

Bell do you think I could have something

to eat her I'm quite hungry

you have just missed dinner we could get

you some tea and biscuits when are you

gonna tie the knot then me

[Music]

[Music]

fancy mommy

barbar

Oh where am I you're in hospital Barbara

you've just had some tests I brought

some food for you

shepherd's pie okay that's fine okay

remember if you need anything just press

the bell

[Music]

this is Reese

this is Reese I know do you mind if I

sit down it's real infamy I'm nurse Jane

we met in the corridor yesterday we're

looking for the toilet you have me yes

that's right

I I had some lunch here but seems to

have gone I'm really sorry to hear that

I'll make sure we get you some food

straight away so much okay for you oh

yes that would be fine yes yeah you have

a choice between egg mayonnaise ham

salad or cheese and pickle or cheese and

pickle yes please excellent choice now

before I get the sandwich for you I just

want to get you out of bed if that's all

right you've been lying down for a long

time and we need to get your circulation

going again is that all right yes yeah

I'll just know this

you're right you okay

so that mrs. Reese I understand you used

to be a headmistress yes that's right

yes was that of a primary or secondary

school and it was a primary school is

about 150 children and quite a while ago

now I still miss them do you know if

you've worked all those years it's a

shock isn't it to leave it all behind me

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

you

you're now going to watch scene two and

this follows Barbara when she's at home

and the visit by her district nurse

understand what the handbill was for how

to summon hell but I couldn't find my

glasses

and and my lunch disappeared when I fell

asleep up there there was one nurse who

who was very kind to me I think it was

some I think it was nurse Jane and she

organized some lunch for me but more

than that she she showed me some

patience and kindness and respect and I

can't tell you what a difference that

made to me and the other staff how do

you think they could have done things

differently I think the first thing is

to treat everyone with humanity I know

my brain isn't what it used to be I

forget things and I get confused but but

I'm not mad and I I've lived a full life

and all I ask is for people to be

patient with me I suppose it's about

being made to feel as though you matter

as though in some way you're special and

what do you think is the best way of

doing that

always introduce yourself I may forget

who you are from earlier be welcoming it

might not seem important at the time but

those first encounters can make all the

difference to to feeling safe and secure

that you're in good hands and people

want to be seen as individuals notice

signs and symptoms remember we all lived

life and oh don't talk over us and

remember that although my brain is

fading I can still make a decision I

understand you used to be a headmistress

if the hospital staff for your pupils

what would you want to say to them

mm-hmm

that's a difficult question I would say

have pride in what you do it's a

privilege to be cared for in this

hospital so it should be a privilege to

work here

remember I will only feel confident if

I'm being cared for with confidence

strive to do your best go out of your

way to help people like me we need

protecting at our most vulnerable

moments you see most importantly we we

need time we may not always remember

what you have told us and noise and the

hustle and bustle it occurs in hospitals

you know it unsettles me it just makes

me anxious and and and confused and so

the environment you create the comma the

bet anything that that doesn't add to

the the confusion of a hospital visit

always act with integrity don't hide

behind your badge or your uniform be

proud of it and and and bring that pride

to all aspects of your work if someone

helps you say thank you and if something

goes wrong say sorry

remember it's the smallest things that

make the biggest difference

[Music]

now you have watched Barbara's story

there are key messages for stuff to take

back with them and it is about doing

little things that make the big

difference for example smiling asking if

someone needs help and just showing

kindness to someone by doing one thing

differently each day can make a real

impact to someone imagine what

collective difference it could make if

everyone decided to do one thing

different each day

so please make the most of what you have

seen to help improve the care for our

patients

thank you thank you for watching

Barbara's story and I certainly hope

that it has raised your awareness of

dementia for those of you who will be

ward based you will come across a lot of

patients with dementia and if you feel

you want more help or support please

contact either Hanna or the memory

service thank you

you