"OPAL House - John’s campaign in action"

John’s Campaign in action at OPAL House; Person-Centred Care

Here is a photo of Mr and Mrs enjoying their lunch together in the OPAL House dining room. As MFT is now an officially recognised supporter of ‘John’s Campaign’, OPAL House have encouraged our staff to embrace and support the carers of those with dementia as much as possible.

Mrs was admitted via A&E with a fall and a fractured humerus, spent some time on a ward at the main site before an admission to OPAL House for a period of assessment. Mrs has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and is known to become anxious whilst in hospital and is particularly anxious when moving to strange and new environments. Mrs’ family reported that she felt calm, safe and secure when her husband was present, as they have been married for several decades and have never really been apart. This was highlighted to the staff at OPAL House when a comprehensive ‘reach out to me’ care plan that was completed on admission to the ward alongside Mrs and her daughter.

Mr was offered open visiting hours to see his wife whenever he likes. He was given three meals a day from our kitchen, in order to sustain his role as his wife’s carer whilst at OPAL House. Mr was also provided with numbers for the Red Cross and Age UK volunteering services to assist him with travelling to OPAL House every day. Mr was also offered a cot bed to stay with his wife, if necessary. Mrs has appeared less anxious since these interventions have taken place and is engaging with the meaningful activities organised by the social coordinator while she waits for a package of care at home. This is a perfect example of ‘John’s Campaign’ in action, encouraging the experts on the patients (the carers) to be as involved as possible in the patient’s care.

Reported by a Dementia Care Registered Nurse (DCRN) at OPAL House.