Media Release
Date: 18 May 2015
RUH marks Dementia Awareness Week with packed itinerary
The Royal United Hospital in Bath is marking Dementia Awareness Week (17-23 May) with a range of activities for patients and staff.
On Tuesday 19 May, tea parties will be held on all wards at the hospital. Participation and socialisation are key aspects of care for people with dementia; making sure patients with dementia are engaged and connected during their stay at the RUH can significantly aid recovery. Staff will aim to create a party atmosphere on the wards, and take the opportunity to raise awareness amongst patients who may not be familiar with the condition.
On Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May, staff are invited to attend Dementia Friends training sessions. The sessions will be open to staff (both clinical and non-clinical) who wish to deepen their understanding of the condition and learn how to support those with dementia – both at work and in the wider community.
Then, on the evening of 21 May, the Membership team is hosting a Dementia and Alzheimer's 'Caring for You' event for Members of the Trust. The event is designed to provide those who attend with a better understanding of the different types of dementia. The audience will also hear from other medical experts including representatives from the Alzheimer's Society and Maggie Depledge, Dementia Coordinator at the RUH, who will provide insight on what to expect if you're a carer for someone with the condition.
The event will also include an update from Dr Chris Dyer, Consultant Geriatrician and Dementia Care Lead, on what the RUH has been doing to improve dementia care for patients.
Dr Dyer said: "The Caring for You event we are holding on the 21 May is fully booked – with over 130 people set to attend – which reflects the importance our Members attach to this issue. A quarter of all beds at the RUH are occupied by people with dementia, so we are determined to provide them with the very best care delivered by well trained staff. We also recognise the importance of working closely with carers, as they often understand their loved ones' needs far better than anyone else".
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Alzheimer's Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk
The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia support and research charity for anyone affected by any form of dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Alzheimer's Society provides information and practical and emotional support to help people live well with dementia, and invests in world-class research with the ultimate goal of defeating it. The Alzheimer's Society also campaigns to improve public understanding of dementia and the devastating impact it can have, and make sure it's taken seriously.
Dementia Friends
www.dementiafriends.org.uk
The Dementia Friends initiative, launched by the Alzheimer's Society in 2013, has already trained over a million Dementia Friends across the UK. A Dementia Friend learns what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action; from helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts.