Dementia Awareness for Volunteers
Summary
TLDRThe 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
🧠 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.
🚶♀️ 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.
🏥 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.
👩🏫 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.
💡 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dementia
💡Alzheimer's Disease
💡Lewy Body Dementia
💡Vascular Dementia
💡Compassion
💡Communication
💡Memory Loss
💡Progressive Disease
💡Integrity
💡Person-Centered Care
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
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