A large percentage of older people across the Trust live with dementia or are at risk of dementia. Often being admitted to hospital can increase confusion and disorientation and increase the risk of non- cognitive symptoms (changes in behaviour and presentation). Evidence suggests that people with dementia and their carers feel that there is a lack of understanding by hospital staff of the specific needs of people living with dementia (Alzheimer’s Society 2016)
The Forget me Not Unit (FMNU) is a 16 bedded unit within Ward C3. The FMNU provides specialist care for people with medical needs combined with dementia or who are at risk of dementia with additional care needs
Patients cared for on the FMNU will have the benefit of additional support from staff who are competent to meet their needs within a dementia friendly environment. We encourage patients to maintain their independence wherever possible and promote “End PJ paralysis” by encoraging patients to wear their own clothes rather than nightwear during daytime.
Relatives are welcome onto the unit at any time; the unit also promotes “Johns Campaign” with the use of carer passports. Please ask staff on the unit for details.
Patients will be encouraged to bring in small personal items such as family photographs to make their stay as comfortable as possible and reduce anxiety caused by unfamiliar surroundings.
The FMNU aims to reduce distress caused to people with dementia or those at risk of dementia who need to be treated in and acute hospital bed. The unit will provide a calm, dementia friendly environment with patients being cared for by staff who are competent to meet their needs.
The discharge process for patients cared for on the FMNU may be complex. This process should begin at the point of admission and any needs for discharge identified at the earliest opportunity. Aspects of patient’s social needs will be collected and assessed by the multi- disciplinary team which will include nursing staff, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, the Mental Health Team and a Discharge Facilitator. There is a daily multi- disciplinary team meeting where all patients and their discharge needs are discussed. Our aim is to ensure the patient is kept in hospital for the shortest period of time but to ensure a safe and comprehensive discharge.
