Improving our interaction's with those on their Dementia Journey

Welcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Home Instead Tavistock and Tamar Valley.

We are always aiming to improve our communities understanding of dementia.  We have been using a video, Barbara’s Story, produced by the NHS for several years now to help our staff.  Barbara’s story has become a part of our training at Home Instead, after we saw the impact it had on individuals. Following its creation in 2012 by St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust as a training programme for their staff, it has been widely viewed and used by many other institutions.

Barbara’s story is an authentic, instructive, and moving depiction following Barbara’s experiences as she navigates the healthcare system, as an elderly woman living with dementia. It highlights the challenges she faces due to her condition, and emphasises the importance of compassion, communication, and understanding in caring for individuals living with dementia.   Although some of the video focuses on Barbara’s interaction with the NHS, the video begins with Barbara at home fretting about her appointment, waiting for a taxi, looking in the mirror and being surprised by her older face. 

• To raise awareness of dementia and its impact on individuals
  
• Improving communication, highlighting the importance of clear and effective communication when interacting with individuals who have dementia.
  
• Enhance care quality; to improve the overall quality of care for people with dementia by spreading awareness, and educating health care staff on best practices, and the importance of a thoughtful, respectful approach.

There are many lessons for us all in the video which we can all take away and reflect upon. If you would like to watch Barbara’s Story yourself follow this link

We hope you have found our Senior Snippet useful in World Alzheimer’s Month.  Do let us know if you would like us to cover other topics.  Please write to us at [email protected] or by post to Home Instead, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock PL19 0BZ. Alternatively, you can also call us 01822 258292.