QUALITY STANDARDS

It is never easy to discuss an uncertain future, but dementia is a progressive condition and it is necessary to plan in advance. You can decide now how you would like to be cared for and supported if you are no longer able to decide in the future. Conversations about the future can be had with a dementia advisor or your GP at any time, and there is no need to make decisions immediately. Special appointments to discuss future planning may be helpful as they allow you to prepare for the discussion and think about what you want.
Examples of things which can be planned in advance include:

• lasting powers of attorney,
• advanced statements,
• general needs or preferences in your Wellbeing Plan.

Once they have been agreed they can be shared with health and social care professionals involved in your care to ensure that everybody understands your wishes.
 
For extra information, evidence and best practice please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are a hospital inpatient you have the right for your carer to stay with you throughout your stay. The presence of your carer may be reassuring, they may help with some of the care, or simply keep you company.
Your carer should not be asked to leave once visiting hours are over, or even during protected mealtimes.
 
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People living with dementia are more likely than people the same age to have other conditions in addition to dementia. This could mean that they do not recover as quickly as they are less reliant when they become acutely unwell. If a person with dementia is admitted to hospital due to an illness or accident their frailty* should be assessed and considered when delivering care.

*NHS England describes frailty as a loss of resilience that means people don't bounce back quickly after a physical or mental illness, an accident or other stressful event.
 
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You are reassured that when you are not able to provide the detail and personal insights as to what matters to you, your likes, and dislikes, who matters to you and what your wishes are; that this that personal information is written down and available for people who are supporting you.
 
For extra information, evidence and best practice please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

You are engaged as an equal partner in the planning of care strategies that may need some considered discussion and thought; particularly if your loved one is presenting with complex advancing symptoms of dementia. You are offered a package of support as a carer which recognises your personal experiences and offers a person centred approach.
 
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You are reassured that when you are needing to go in to the hospital, that personal information about you and key items that matter to you, including your This is Me/Getting to know you are transferred with you; as you may not be able to provide this information yourself. This includes a detail of your current functions, likes, dislikes and if you have any lasting power of attorneys and how matters to you most e.g. family, friends, carers, pets.
 
For extra information, evidence and best practice please scroll down to the bottom of the page.