We understand that your loved one's admission to hospital can be worrying and that there are many questions/concerns that you may have. The dementia team are here to help you.
Rachel Hayden is the Lead Dementia Specialist Nurse for NHS Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust and she works alongside a team of nurses and Associate Practitioners.
Their aim is to provide support to patients, relatives and carers of patients with dementia who have been admitted to one of our hospitals.
The team work 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm.
If you would like to arrange a meeting with one of the team or simply have a chat regarding your loved one, please telephone the relevant hospital number below.
• Basingstoke — 01256 313920
• Winchester — 01962 824639
If your loved one is in Andover War Memorial Hospital please contact the team on either number. Alternatively they can be contacted via email on dementia.team@hhft.nhs.uk
The ‘This is me’ booklet is available for all patients with dementia and would appreciate your help in completing it. The booklet lists your loved one’s likes, dislikes and interests and allows us to tailor our care to his/ her preferences. If your relative does not have a THIS IS ME booklet, then please ask a nurse on the ward for a copy.
We also use our Sunflower Scheme to assist us in improving the care and safety of patients in the hospital who have dementia. A discreet sunflower picture is placed above the patient’s bed so that staff can easily identify those patients who will need additional support, reassurance and assistance.
The trust supports John’s Campaign. John’s Campaign is the capacity for the main carer to stay with the patient during their hospital stay and to have open visiting hours. John’s Campaign aims for carers to have a right to continue to care for their loved one throughout a hospital stay, should they wish to.
We work closely with the activity coordinators who provide various therapeutic activities that have been designed to stimulate those with cognitive impairment.
We have a team of dementia volunteers who are available to help support both the patient and their loved ones, and for patients on elderly care ward we have activity coordinators who are more than happy to provide social interaction for your loved one.
Starting Sunday 9 January 2022, our dementia specialist admiral nurses are offering compassionate, one-to-one support and practical solutions for those looking after someone with dementia.
Our admiral nurses are nurses with experience in dementia care who work collaboratively with families and with other dementia care providers - sharing their expertise and giving them the support and skills needed. When things get challenging or difficult, they work alongside people with dementia and their families giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions. So, whilst a loved one is in Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, our dementia team are offering this telephone run clinic for families who care for someone living with dementia.
Our telephone clinics will run 10:00-14:00 every Sunday.
To make an appointment:
- Email dementia.team@hhft.nhs.uk
- Or, contact 01962 824639
The dementia team runs a WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUP for anyone involved or caring for someone with dementia
Royal Hampshire County Hospital in the County Pantry (hospital restaurant) every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm
Bring a little sunshine to someone's life and become a dementia volunteer.
Hampshire Hospitals and the dementia specialist team are working together to provide specially trained dementia volunteers. They will work alongside and complement clinical staff providing care and social support. This can include simply chatting, reading and reminiscing with patients, involving them in craft activities and generally befriending them. Dementia Volunteers can assist patients completing the ‘This is me’ document.
The Dementia Volunteers will also liaise with families and carers to ensure that patients get the most out of the service and help signpost them to the right services and support that are available.
As a Dementia Volunteer, you will be trained to work with these sometimes frail and vulnerable people. The Dementia Volunteer training consists of two four hour sessions over two weeks. This is held at Winchester or Basingstoke hospitals. They include all HHFT mandatory training along with sessions in helping with mealtimes and communicating and caring for patients with dementia.
Applicants must be 18 or over, complete a free DBS check and provide references.
As well as helping others, this role will enable you to gain new skills and experience:
- Work experience
- Access to relevant training
- Personal development
- Increase your knowledge of health and dementia
- Participate in a wider social life
For further information contact the dementia volunteer coordinator. Tel. 01962 825747 or dementia.volunteers@hhft.nhs.uk
Please click here for the dementia volunteer role description
Are you interested in reminiscing and engaging with others? Would you like to make a difference in your community, if so, why not become a Memory Box Project Volunteer in our hospitals?
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Memory Box Project provides reminiscence sessions to people living with dementia across Hampshire. The project runs regular sessions in Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital. We are looking for volunteers to deliver reminiscence sessions in the hospital wards and day rooms for patients with dementia, their carers, family and staff. We have a collection of themed ‘Memory Boxes’ including, Home & Garden, work, Schooldays and Seaside & Holidays among others. The boxes include items, factsheets, sounds and smells to help engage patients.The Memory Box Project is a fun, interesting and rewarding project that is proven to increase patient wellbeing and contribute to reducing the length of stay of patients with dementia.
We are particularly looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers that would be willing to commit to a regular session within a HHFT hospital, but this role is also available on a more casual timetable to suit varying availability. Volunteers can support patients on a 1:1 basis or in a group and will also be able to work with the HHFT Activity coordinators. Full training will be given, including reminiscence training. Ongoing support will be provided and themes are rotated weekly.
For more information on the project please contact Erin McMurtry- Project Manager
07850 769356
Daily Social dining - Royal Hampshire County Hospital
If you would like your relative to be brought down to this please contact the dementia team.
Support patients with dementia by knitting a twiddlemuff
Learn how to make and donate a 'twiddlemuff' - a knitted handmuff with items attached to keep dementia patients' hands active and busy. For a how-to factsheet click here
HHFT Dementia Carers cafe
Support for families and carers of people with dementia
For Basingstoke details click here
For Winchester details click here
Emergency planning for carers
0800 169 1577
Additional information and support can be found under useful links.
