Dementia Care in the HospitalDementia Care in the Hospital
In 2006 NHW announced its participation in the 'Dementia Care in Hospital' Project. In 2003, carers of clients with Dementia nationally, identified that hospitals were not well equipped to meet the needs of clients with cognitive impairment and their carers. Ballarat Health Service had identified that clients with cognitive impairment were common in the acute wards settings. Clients with cognitive impairment were often not identified and this often resulted in ineffective support of these clients and their carers.
NHW commenced the program in January 2006 with a dedicated team utilising existing hospital personnel, community groups and dementia support groups. Specific education programs were developed and have been delivered to direct and non-direct care staff throughout the organisation. A discrete visual identifier designed to trigger an appropriate response from staff to the patient with dementia and also to engage their carers is now used at NHW.
NHW began implementing the third stage of the 'Dementia Care in Hospital' Project in May 2006. All clients who are admitted to the hospital, who are over the age of seventy years and clients receiving orthopaedic surgery, who are sixty five and over, will be screened with a short questionnaire by nursing staff to ensure staff have a base level of the client's cognitive state.
If at any time during a client's admission, staff suspect that their clients have become confused, for whatever reason, a further assessment will be attended. If clients and their families consent, the Cognitive Impairment Identifier will be displayed above the client's bed. Clients and their families are encouraged to be part of their care, talk to the staff about the questions asked and what outcomes are expected.
 Cognitive Impairment Identifier Brochure | type: pdf | size: 60 kB |