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Invaluable for knowing loved one is being cared for

Posted By Lauren333

"Invaluable for knowing loved one is being cared for"

About: Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a service user),

Brendan was my dad’s dementia companion during his time in Ward 1. He knew exactly how to put my dad at ease when he was confused and disregulated. Brendan took the time to find out information about my dad so that he could chat with him about family/hobbies/likes etc. 

Every time dad saw Brendan he had a huge smile and I could see he immediately felt at ease. This service is invaluable for family members knowing their loved one is being cared for when we are not there. This is an exceptional service for which we are so grateful, thank you!  

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Responses

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT 4 weeks ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 07/04/2025 at 00:55
Published on Care Opinion at 00:55

picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear Lauren333

My name is Nicola Hayes and I am the Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospital and I manage the Dementia Companion Service.

Thank you for your feedback story with regards to "invaluable for knowing loved one is being cared for" and thank you for taking the time to post this story, at a time when your Dad was recently unwell and in hospital. I hope your Dad has recovered well from his hospital stay.

Coming into hospital can be such a stressful experience, not only for our patients but also for their families/carers. Approach and communication are vital in the caring profession, not only to ensure that all your Dad’s needs are met, but also that your needs as a family are met. The contact that the Dementia Companions have with family members to obtain life story information is crucial, as you know your Dad the best and you have entrusted your loved one into the care of the hospital.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care and this has been evidenced throughout your experience of Brendan. I am glad that the support Brendan offered your Dad through effective communication and therapeutic activities, based on his family/hobbies/likes was supportive not only to your Dad, but also what you observed supported you as a family at this difficult time.

The ethos of the Dementia Companion Service is to strive to provide individualised care to people living with dementia while in our acute hospital care settings and it gives me great personal and professional satisfaction to read how Brendan has carried out his duties to a high standard, which resulted in a positive experience of being in hospital and it was "invaluable for knowing loved one is being cared for".

May I thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences with us on Care Opinion.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered and I will share this story with Brendan, to which he will be delighted to receive.

Kind Regards

Nicola

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