Providing A ‘Helping Hand’ To ‘Get to Know Me’ And What ‘I Can’ Do For People With Dementia

Abstract

Background In November 2020 the referral rate for residents with dementia for communication assessment was only 18% of all referrals. The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Department had no standard pathway for assessment and intervention of communication for those residents. Part of the aim of devising this pathway was to empower our fellow Health Care Workers (HCWs) to have meaningful, successful and satisfying conversations and facilitate positive, person-centred communication. Methods Results Qualitative feedback received from staff and families highlight our residents' “personhood” and how the tools help preserve residents' memories. The tools are available in resident's files for all HCWs to use. SLTs continue to complete the cognitive and language screens but student nurses complete the Getting To Know Me questionnaire. Since commencement of this initiative there have been more than 230 residents whom have at least 1 of the tools is completed. Conclusion These tools can help reveal the personhood of our residents and can empower all HCWs in conversation with residents. They help to provide comfort and attachment to people with dementia by helping us maintain their identity and foster inclusion by empowering residents and staff in conversations. This project is easily replicated and practical.