Person-centred care for patients with dementia in an acute ward setting
| Leader(s) | Maria Loughran and Orla Mathews |
| Location | Antrim Hospital, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland |
| Duration | November 2015 – June 2017 |
| Received for Publication | September 2019 |
Admission to hospital is a stressful time for anyone and can be even more so for a person with dementia.
The aim of this project was to introduce environmental changes to the acute elderly assessment ward to create an environment that is dementia friendly with a focus on safety and improved patient experience.
Using a variety of practice development approaches and working with ward staff (including healthcare assistants and catering), the team have introduced a number of innovations including a quiet area for people who are agitated or distressed and dementia companions, skilled and trained individuals who are able to ‘be with’ people with dementia.
This project was supported by Patients First, a partnership programme with the Burdett Trust for Nursing.
