Pioneering dementia support service launches at the Leicester Royal Infirmary

Date: Friday, April 25th 2014
Categories: All Leicestershire Leicester

The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a new service at Leicester Royal Infirmary, to help people live well with dementia.

The Hospital Liaison Dementia Support Service launched on 22nd April. It involves three members of staff from the charity working from the hospital in a bid to improve the experience of patients and reduce time spent in hospital and re-admissions, whilst providing valuable information, advice and guidance.

Dementia patients and their carers will be asked to complete a specialist document developed by the Alzheimer’s Society called This is Me, which details things that are important to the patient, like food preferences, interests and hobbies. The document will then be used by people involved in the patient’s hospital care, giving them easy access to the information most pertinent to the patient’s happiness and wellbeing.

Jo Rodwell, Alzheimer’s Society dementia support manager in Leicestershire and Rutland said:

“Hospital can be a daunting experience for someone with dementia, who may be experiencing confusion or have trouble communicating. This service is an exciting opportunity to build on the good work that is already going on at the hospital to ensure that people with the condition get the best possible care. We’ll be working closely with staff and patients and we hope that by providing support and information, people will stay in hospital for shorter periods, improving their quality of life and also saving money for the hospital.”

Anybody can refer dementia patients to the service, including carers and patients themselves. To find out more call Jo Rodwell (Dementia Support Manager) or Sally Grundy (Services Manager) on 0116 231 1111 or e-mail [email protected]

The Alzheimer's Society has also produced a guide to give you more information.