"My whole heart"

Dear lovehb56

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

Thank you for your feedback story with regards to “My whole heart” and thank you for taking the time to post this story, at a time when your Mum was unwell, being admitted to A&E. I hope that she is continuing her recovery now that she has returned home to her husband and is in the comfort of her own surroundings.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care and this has been evidenced throughout your experience of Brendan, when he delivered hand massage, reminiscence, music to your Mum in an environment which can be challenging to our patients living with dementia, causing distressed reactions in an unfamiliar environment. By providing these types of personalised activities; easing the sense of distress being experienced can have a positive impact on other activities of daily living, such as your Mum’s eating and drinking.

I am glad that what you observed supported you also at this difficult time. Something as simple as music and hand massage and being there for your Mum can have such a meaningful impact on people with dementia. The mocktail is really thinking outside of the box, however these small moments of excellence are making such a huge difference to our patients when in the acute care setting.

Finally I am pleased and delighted to read about your Mum’s journey through ED and Ward 1 and how the staff evidenced skill and patience towards your Mum and you as a family.

May I thank you again for taking the time to share your experience 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.

Best Wishes

Nicola

Dear lovehb56,

My name is Ann Marie Conlon and I am the Falls Integrated Pathway Co-ordinator within the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

I'm sorry to read that your mum required hospital admission following a fall. I hope that she has made a good recovery at this time and that all is well at home.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on the services that your mother received during her stay in Wards 1.

It was reassuring to learn that your mother received personalised care tailored to her needs which was provided by caring, kind and compassionate staff.

If you require further information on reducing risk of falls, including services available in community please contact the Falls Integrated Pathway on 02871610763.

Best wishes,

Ann Marie Conlon

Falls Integrated Pathway Co-ordinator

We are currently looking for interested members of the public to provide feedback on our Falls Prevention Resources. This can be someone who has had a fall, is at risk of a fall or someone who cares for a person who has had a fall and feels passionate about improving Falls Services and Resources in the Western Trust. If this is something you would be interested in and would like more information on what is involved, please contact involve@westerntrust.hscni.net.