Initiative promotes personalised hospital care for people with dementia

A scheme designed to personalise care for people with dementia when they are admitted to hospital has been launched in Scotland.

Campaigner Tommy Whitelaw, who cared for his mother Joan when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia, is rolling out the ‘Getting to Know Me’ campaign across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The initiative, which has been developed and funded by Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Government, is designed to improve the experiences of vulnerable adults and their carers in hospitals by getting to know the individual as a person, rather than a patient with an illness.

When their loved one is admitted to hospital or asked to attend an outpatient appointment, family members will complete the ‘Getting to Know Me’ document, which records personal information about the patient’s likes and dislikes, names of family and friends, and what may be worrying them while they are in hospital. This information will be kept at their bedside and will help hospital staff get to know more about the person and their life story, putting the patient and their carers at ease.

Speaking about the initiative, Con Gillespie, lead nurse, emergency care and medical services, said: “We are confident that this will enhance care and, if used properly, will facilitate better care for an individual’s needs and reduce risks of not addressing what they require. “It will be helpful if carers ask staff for a copy to complete when their loved one is admitted to a hospital ward, as staff will be able to supply these once wards are stocked with copies.”

Mr Whitelaw, who will use his experience as a carer to highlight the importance of remembering the person as an individual and looking beyond their diagnosis, said: “Many people simply saw my mum as a wee woman with dementia and used that as their starting point, failing to recognise the life she has led and could have continued to lead for as long as possible. ‘Getting to Know Me’ is all about recognising each individual’s unique life stories, abilities, likes and dislikes, so I am privileged to take part in any way I can.”

To read more about Mr Whitelaw and his campaign, visit www.homecare.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1559789/tommy-whitelaw-and-his-mission-to-collect-life-stories-of-dementia-carers