Dementia Care at Countess of Chester Hospital

We are committed to providing safe, compassionate, and person-centred care for people living with dementia.

Dementia is a key part of the Trust's Supporting Patients with Additional Needs Strategy, which aims to improve the care, experience, and outcomes of people with dementia, learning disabilities, autism and other vulnerabilities. Through this work, we seek to ensure every patient receives personalised care that recognises their individual needs, preferences, and strengths.

We work in line with the principles of the Dementia-Friendly Hospital Charter, recognising people with dementia and their families and carers as partners in care. We are committed to providing a supportive environment, making reasonable adjustments where needed and ensuring our staff have the knowledge and skills required to deliver high-quality dementia care

Our Staff

It is our aim for all our staff receive dementia training appropriate to their role, helping them to:

• Understand dementia and its impact on individuals and families.
• Recognise and respond to distress, confusion, and delirium.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately.
• Support families and carers as partners in care.
• Make reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs.
• Deliver care that respects dignity, independence, and personal preferences.

Our staff are also trained in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005), supporting patients to make their own decisions wherever possible and ensuring that decisions made on behalf of patients are lawful, person-centred and in their best interests.

What is a "This Is Me" Document?

"This Is Me" is a simple document developed to help hospital staff understand the person behind the diagnosis.

It includes important information such as:

• Preferred name.
• Likes and dislikes.
• Important routines.
• Communication needs.
• Family members and people important to them.
• Things that may cause distress or anxiety.
• How staff can best support them.

Providing this information helps us deliver more personalised care and can reduce anxiety during a hospital stay. The Trust promotes the use of the "This Is Me" tool as part of person-centred dementia care.

How families and carers can help

If your relative, friend or loved one is living with dementia, there are several ways you can help us provide personalised care during their hospital stay:

• Bring a completed "This Is Me" document with you when attending hospital.
• Ask ward staff for a copy if you do not already have one.
• Speak to ward staff if you would like support to complete the document.
• Share information about what is important to the person, including their routines, preferences, interests, and communication needs.
• Tell us about anything that may cause distress or anxiety, and how we can best support them.
• Download a copy of the "This Is Me" document here.

Families and carers are valued partners in care. The knowledge and understanding you have of your loved one helps us provide care that is personalised, compassionate and focused on what matters most to them.

Supporting people with Dementia

We aim to:

• Identify patients living with dementia as early as possible.
• Make reasonable adjustments to support their care.
• Involve families and carers in planning care and treatment.
• Respect individual preferences and choices.
• Promote safety, dignity, and independence.
• Deliver care in line with recognised dementia-friendly hospital standards