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The Dementia Companion assigned to my Mum was amazing

Posted By Millie8

"The Dementia Companion assigned to my Mum was amazing"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Ward 7 Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a relative),

My Mum was admitted to Ward 7 at SWAH to recuperate from a hip operation! She had a lot of underlying health issues too! Brendan was the Dementia companion assigned to Ward 7 and he was amazing! He made time to come and chat my Mum, bring her up to date with current news, give her a book about Enniskillen she had never read and ensured she was comfortable, listened too and made her laugh! (He had his own dementia patients to look after but made time everyday for Mum). He is an amazing asset to the hospital as he is kind, attentive and compassionate. This is also true of all the wonderful nurses, doctors and consultants who looked after my Mum. Sadly, Mum passed away in November. Brendan came in to say goodbye and pay his respects but also supplied us with a flickering battery candle which we loved. My Mum loved candles! Brendan’s wonderful sense of humour ensured that if my Mum wasn’t in good spirits, he tried to lift her mood and explained all about his travels, his wonderful family and what he enjoyed, as well as asking her about her interests and likes. I will forever be indebted to Brendan! 

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Responses

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT 17 months ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 10/12/2023 at 00:30
Published on Care Opinion at 00:30

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear MillieB

My name is Nicola Hayes, and I am Acting Head of Service for Older People's Mental Health. My substantive post is Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospitals.

Firstly, can I offer my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mum. This is currently a very difficult time for you all and I really appreciate you taking the time to tell your story on Care Opinion.

Thank you for sharing the positive experience that your mother and your family had of the journey through Ward 7 SWAH and in particular with the Dementia Companion Service.

Approach and communication are vital in the caring profession, not only to ensure that all your mother’s needs were met, but also that your needs as a family were met. Person centred care is paramount within dementia care, and this has been evidenced through your experience.

I am delighted that you had the experience of the Dementia Companion Service and the role they can play to people living with dementia who are admitted to hospital. I will share this post with the Dementia Companion, which they will be delighted to receive.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered.

Kind regards

Nicola

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