Informed about Dementia

Criteria

1.  Watch the five informed about dementia videos on SSSC learning zone

Watched all videos initially 20th May then again individually whilst taking notes of questions and learning outcomes on:-

Video #1 watched 23rd May 2018
Video #2 watched 25th May 2018
Video #3 watched 2nd June 2018
Video #4 watched 13th June 2018
Video #5 watched 21st June 2018




2. Reflect on each question and learning points in each video

Video #1 Improving Practice Chapter 1

Learning Outcomes:

• Increased and increasing no. of dementia living with dementia
• Also early onset dementia not just old people
• Can coexist with other conditions
• Is everyone’s responsibility


Alzheimers most common type of dementia
Promoting excellence in Dementia Care framework dictates min knowledge and skills for people working with people living with dementia
Dementia standards - what people living with dementia can expect from services

Video #2 improving practice chapter 2

Learning Outcomes:


• Recognise the person as an individual not an illness
• Clear communication necessary
• Don’t bombard with questions
• Allow person time to process what is said


How we communicate is vital in effecting positive outcomes for interactions thus need to reflect on our own habitual behaviour.  Also use range of cues to assist in understanding such as visual to back up verbal.  Need to be aware of stigmatising language and behaviour eg avoid use of ‘patients’, ‘sufferers’ and pitying language etc


Video #3 improving practice chapter 3



Learning Outcomes

• Don’t make assumptions about causes of distress
• Helps to know the person and to pay attention to non-verbal cues
• Listening to other key players in situations can give more understanding to how person is feeling
• Remain calm and unhurried
• Create less  pressurised environment
• Best to observe before intervening in situation.
• Seek help and advice to throw light on potential underlying issues and approach to use
• Tweaks to environment may help eh. Reduce clutter, noise, use signage
• Role of assistive and telecare technologies



People with dementia can pick up on feelings of others around them which can be source of distress.
Also environmental factors or other physical concerns may be a source of stress for the person.  Keep an open mind to all possibilities, taking advice where necessary and be careful that proposed solutions don’t exacerbate the problem.


Video #4 improving practice chapter 4



Learning Outcomes

• At every stage on their dementia journey people are entitled to the best possible quality of life
• Whatever our job we can all make a difference
• Need to use all the information available to us
• Need to think of different ways for people to make most of their abilities
• Assist them to Remain engaged as possible

Focus on person-centred approach, viewing person as unique and individual with a lifetime of experiences , skills and interests that can be called upon in ensuring quality of life maintained.  Important no matter how advanced dementia that we don’t feel situation as hopeless and continue to look for ways to keep person engaged in life.


Video #5 improving practice chapter 5



Learning Outcomes

• Staff have duty to keep people safe
• However prevention not only option
• Preventing people from doing what they want can cause them distress
• Restrictions on movement may constitute restraint
• Need to balance risks with rights to engage in enjoyable activities
• Solutions can be found


We need to avoid over protecting the person with dementia as this ultimately limits their life, corpses their confidence and removes value from their life.  We should concentrate on implementing solutions that will allow them to take risks that mean they live the life they want and promote their strengths.


3. Using the application form tell us what you learned from the videos Informed your practice and what you’re going to do differently or do more off as a result of watching

The videos made me aware of stigmatising terminology eg dementia suffererers versus people living with dementia and thus has changed the language I use when discussing dementia. They have also provided me with insight and Recognition of symptoms and varying stages in dementia journey

I have altered my practice with regards to the advice given around communication eg short clear sentences, giving time to respond. I am more aware of my own actions and careful that my actions are not contradicting or confusing what I’m saying eg holding a different item in each hand whilst asking if they want a specific item or to take an item.  Makes me aware of and aiming to maintain clarity in how I communicate.  Is not always easy or natural to do.

The videos have also reassured and confirmed my approach in aiming to provide quality of life and enabling interests and joy.  I also became aware of the importance of even the mundane everyday tasks that can provide satisfaction and self worth to those living with dementia and particularly with reference to the balancing of risk and safety. An example how I enabled this was by the introduction of ironing chores to my client who was very capable of this task but had not been encouraged by family as they had been more focused on the perceived efficiency of such tasks.  I was then confident to work with family members and give reassurance that this was something that client could complete with me where there would be less focus on end result and more recognition given to the value that participating in tasks can provide. The same was introduced with hanging out laundry and folding etc.

I am now more able toReflect on own behaviour and environment and how can effect behaviour of my client. I was also able to contribute effectively in conversations with my manager on what could be at the root of some recent and distressed behaviours.

Having only recently been required for the first time to support a client on their dementia journey, I feel the videos offered an excellent starting point to inform my practice.